




y/(, - /M 



^.n^,^L^i4 ^^-s^-^e-^-^^l 



MEMORIAl^S j|-" 



CONCERNING 



DECEASED FRIENDS, 



MEMBERS OF 



She ^wrls Meettttfi of 3PIitlatreliJhfa. 



PUBLISHED BY ITS DIRECTION. 



PHILADELPHIA : 



PRINTED BY JOSEPH & WILLIAM KITE, 

Carpenter and Seventh Streets. 

1842. 







\ 



MEMORIALS 



CONCERNING 



DECEASED FRIENDS. 



Testimony of Kennett Monthly Meetings concern- 
ing Rachel Barnard. 

This our beloved friend was the daughter of 
Ephraim and Elizabeth Wilson of London- 
grove township, Chester county, from whom 
she received a guarded education ; and being 
brought, through the inshinings of Divine Hght, 
to see the necessity of great circumspection in 
dress and deportment, she was enabled to bear 
the cross in early life, and to be an example 
of plainness and sobriety. 

Having experienced that peace which is 
the reward of well doing, and patiently abid- 
ing under the Lord's forming hand, she came 
forth in a lively and acceptable testimony 
about the twenty-third year of her age; and 
taking heed to the gift received, became a 
well quahfied minister of the Gospel. After 
her marriage, she became a member of this 
meeting, and being endued with sound judg- 



4 - RACHEL BARNARD. 

ment, was engaged in our meetings for disci- 
pline that the testimonies of our rehgious 
Society might be preserved on their primitive 
ground. Although of a tender constitution, 
having the unity and sympathy of Friends, she 
devoted much of her time to the service of 
Truth ; visiting the meetings generally on this 
continent to the satisfaction of the visited. 
In the course of her travels, as well as at other 
times, she was well qualified for service in 
families, and sometimes intimated she felt but 
little freedom to go on formal visits. On return- 
ing from one of her latter journeys, she express- 
ed to some Friends her thankfulness for having 
been so mercifully supported; and appeared 
anxiously concerned to perform what she be- 
lieved was required of her, while bodily strength 
would permit. Under declining health she 
attended the Yearly Meeting at Baltimore, 
and some of its constituent branches, much 
to the relief of her own mind, and to the sat- 
isfaction of Friends ; and soon after being 
confined to her bed, expressed thankfulness that 
she had been favoured to reach her outward 
habitation with a peaceful mind ; intimating a 
belief that she might now be released from such 
exercises, and that her time was hastening to 
a close. Her bodily aflEiiction being great, 
she appeared desirous to be released, if it 



RACHEL BARNARD. O 

was the Lord's will : and feelingly expressed, 
" ' by Grace ye are saved, through Faith.' I 
have often thought if that could be fastened on 
the minds of the people, as it is on mine, they 
could not dwell at ease ; though they might 
swerve to the right hand or to the left ; but there 
would be a coming back. And while I sympa- 
thise with the rightly exercised in their many 
trials and deep baptisms, I exceedingly lament 
the situation of those that are, as it were, half 
Jew and half Ashdod." 

On the morning of her decease she expressed 
an apprehension that she had passed the last 
night of her sojourning here. And at a time of 
much extremity said, " gracious Father, please 
to grant me a little rest ;" which she mercifully 
experienced. After this, in a peaceful manner 
she expired, the 16th of Eleventh month, 1820, 
in the 40th year of her age. 



1^ 



b RICHARD JORDAN. 

Testimony of Haddonfield Monthly Meeting 
concerning our beloved friend Richard Jor- 
dan. 

It appears from memorandums which he has 
left, that he was born at a place called Elizabeth, 
in the county of Norfolk and colony of Virginia, 
the nineteenth of the Twelfth month, 1756, 
and that his parents, Joseph and Patience Jor- 
dan, were members of our religious Society. His 
father being much from home on business, and 
his mother dying whilst he was quite young, 
his education was so far neglected, that he was 
but a few times at a religious meeting of 
Friends, until he was twelve years old. But the 
watchful care and unspeakable mercy of the 
Lord, was manifested in the tendering visita- 
tions of his holy Spirit, exciting awful impres- 
sions on his mind respecting a future state ; and 
raising at times fervent desires after an inheri- 
tance among the spirits of the sanctified in hea- 
ven, when time to him should be no longer. 
But not keeping close to this religious exercise, 
the tendering sense of Divine goodness became 
much effaced, his mind alienated from the 
source of all true comfort, and his feet with 
avidity were tracing the paths of temptation 
and lying vanities. In this condition it pleased 



RICHARD JORDAN. 7 

the Shepherd of Israel renewedly to bring him 
under a deep sense of judgment and condemna- 
tion for sin ; and as he patiently and humbly 
abode under this refining baptism, though at 
times tempted to give up all hope of ever at- 
taining to a state of acceptance and peace, he 
was, through great merc}^ enabled to surrender 
himself into the hands of his all-sufficient Re- 
deemer, and brought into a living and heartfelt 
experience of reconciliation to God, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord, 

Being married and settled in North Carolina, 
and having passed through many deep and 
various baptisms, with an awful impression that 
he was called to the ministry, and at times a 
sensible feeling of the Divine hand putting him 
forth therein, which he strove to avoid ; he was, 
in the twenty-fifth year of his age, enabled to 
resign himself to the disposal of the blessed 
Head of the church, and strengthened to express 
a few words in a small meeting of Friends ; 
which yielded indescribable peace to his hitherto 
oppressed and afilicted soul. His appearances 
in the ministry were for a long time small, and 
not frequent; his mind being covered with a fear 
and dread lest he should shoot out into branch- 
es, and not truly know an establishment in the 
root of immortal life. He kept much at home, 
except attending his own yearly meeting, and 



8 RICHARD JORDAN. 

some neighbouring meetings in Virginia, and 
also travelling on foot in religious visits to 
some places in North Carolina, Being faith- 
ful in the httle, his qualification for further ser- 
vices became enlarged, and feeling a religious 
concern to visit the meetings of Friends in the 
northern and eastern states, he opened the 
same to his friends, and in the Third month, 
1797, obtained certificates of their unity, from 
the monthly and quarterly meetings of which he 
was a member. His visit to those parts was 
attended with the savour of Divine life, and as 
a messenger of Christ his fervent labours in the 
ministry were made effectual to the quickening 
of many minds, and to the real edification of 
the church. Some time after his return from 
this journey, his mind being often greatly re- 
duced and humbled, a prospect of extensive 
religious service in foreign parts was weightily 
spread before him, which, through holy help, 
he was enabled to give up to; and in the 
Second month, 1800, after receiving the requi- 
site certificates, he left his residence with a 
humbling sense of the Lord's hand upon him ; 
and soon after, embarked at New York in a 
vessel bound for England. Being strengthened 
to complete his visit with much acceptance and 
in the unity of his Friends, to most of the meet- 
ings in Great Britain and Ireland, and also to 



RICHARD JORDA.V. V 

several parts of the continent of Europe, where 
he experienced many remarkable preservations, 
and signal interpositions of Divine Providence, 
he returned to America in the Tenth month, 
1802. After the lapse of several months, be- 
lieving himself called upon to reside some time 
in Connecticut, he removed with his family 
to Hartford, in that state, in the year 1804. 
Whilst an inhabitant there, he paid several re- 
ligious visits to distant meetings ; and in 1809, 
being satisfied that it would be right for him to 
leave those parts, and again change his resi- 
dence, he spread the same before his Friends ; 
who after due dehberation, signified their unity 
with his prospect; and he accordingly came and 
settled within the limits of this monthly meet- 
ing. His time for several years was much 
occupied in attending to the services of our 
religious Society, and in performing some reli- 
gious visits. In the management of his tempo- 
ral aflfairs, he was remarkably cautious of enter- 
ing into engagements or contracting debts, lest 
through any unforeseen occurrence, an honour- 
able and punctual discharge of them might be 
improperly delayed or prevented, and a blemish 
be thereby brought upon the cause of Truth, 
which to him was more precious than any 
earthly possession : this guarded circumspec- 
tion was so strictly maintained, that, making 



10 RICHARD JORDAN. 

his wants few, he rarely had any unsettled ac- 
counts on hand. 

Being devoted to the service of his heavenly 
Master, he was made an able minister of the 
gospel ; and though at times, in the beginning 
of his communications, he might seem to the 
superficial observer, to move on in weakness, 
yet to the truly gathered spirits he was felt to 
be exercised in watchful care not to proceed 
faster or further, than as the great Shepherd of 
the sheep was pleased to lead along, in the 
openings of the divine gift. His reverent hum- 
ble waiting, and deep exercise of spirit, in his 
silent sitting in our meetings, was instructive, 
and at times had a reaching effect upon the 
minds of those around him ; and when put forth 
to speak to the people, it was not with enticing 
words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration 
of the Spirit and of power ; baptising the au- 
dience, and clearly opening to individuals their 
states and conditions, showing with indubitable 
certainty, that the pathway of peace and salva- 
tion was through the effectual operation of the 
cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

In the Third month, 1825, he met with a 
close trial in the death of his beloved wife, 
which he bore with exemplary resignation. 

In the Eighth month, 1826, returning from a 
visit to Salem Quarterly Meeting, held at Wood- 



RICHARD JORDAN. 11 

bury, and conversing with a friend in allusion 
to a visit he had lately made to Friends in 
Philadelphia, he expressed the great peace and 
satisfaction he felt in recurring to it ; emphati- 
cally said that it would be his last visit, and 
appeared settled in the conviction that the hap- 
py period of his release from the trials of time 
was near at hand. In a few days after this, he 
was taken unwell ; and in this his last illness, 
which continued about two months, he had 
much conversation with several of his dear and 
intimate friends, upon the present state of our 
religious Society, earnestly declaring as his be- 
lief, that all those who were led by the Spirit of 
Truth, would feel themselves constrained to 
acknowledge all that is recorded in the Holy 
Scriptures, concerning the coming, the suffer- 
ings, and offices of our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
Christ, as he appeared in the flesh at Jerusalem. 
He several times declared as his firm convic- 
tion at that awful period, that however painful 
the present state of things was, to the sincere 
followers of the Lamb, yet he fully believed it 
would be made the means of purifying the So- 
ciety of much of its dross ; and that such as 
stood faithful in their allegiance to Christ, would 
be deepened by it in the life of reHgion. He 
had seen (he said) that the Lord would take the 
cause into his own hand, and none should be 



12 RICHARD JORDAN. 

able to hinder him : that those of this Society, 
who had been highly favoured, but who had 
turned their backs and forsaken Him, would be 
cast out, and others brought in, who would 
stand for the honour of his great name, and for 
his cause in the earth. 

On the 16th of the Ninth month, a friend 
calling to see him, he intimated that he thought 
his recovery very doubtful, considering his age, 
and the great prostration of his strength ; but 
he several times remarked that ' he had no will 
but the Lord's will.' He expressed with much 
feeling and deep sorrow, his concern for those, 
who, by giving way to their creaturely wdsdom 
and carnal reasoning, have departed from the 
Christian faith. With much emphasis he said, 
"Oh, what will those men do, that deny the divin- 
ity of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ ! what 
refuge will they have at such a time as this ; 
on a sick bed — O, what will become of them !" 
— Once he said, " I would not be in their state 
for any thing in the world." He intimated that 
during this sickness, he had much opportunity 
for reflection, both by day and by night; and he 
had thought much upon the awful state of those 
people that deny the Lord, and the only hope of 
salvation, which, added he, is by the mercy of 
God, through the merits and the grace of our 
Lord Jesus Christ. Then he said with much 



RICHARD JORDAN. 13 

emphasis, "My hope, my only hope for salva- 
tion, is in the mercy of God, through the merits 
of Jesus Christ." These, or words nearly simi- 
lar, he repeated several times during the course 
of the conversation. He enlarged very instruc- 
tively on the ground of this his hope, and the 
great stay and comfort it was to his mind : — 
" Oh," said he, "I would not give this hope in 
the mercy of God, through Jesus Christ, for the 
whole world." He then proceeded to relate, 
how, during that illness, many Scripture pas- 
sages, both out of the old and new testament, 
had been unfolded to his mind with great clear- 
ness and comfort, respecting the plan devised 
by Divine love for the restoration of poor 
fallen man, and the salvation of sinners. — After 
setting forth the fall of man, through the temp- 
tation and subtlety of satan, and his aspiring 
above the station appointed him by Divine wis- 
dom, he proceeded to open some of those pas- 
sages, beginning with the promise of the seed 
of the woman, that should bruise the head of the 
serpent ; and enlarging upon many scripture 
testimonies showing that this Seed is Christ, 
even He who died for our sins on the cross, and 
who is a propitiatory sacrifice for the sins of 
the whole world, an Advocate with the Father, 
and Mediator between God and man. He en- 
larged upon what faith in God, and in our Lord 



14 RICHARD JORDAN. 

and Saviour Jesus Christ, had done in every 
generation ; then emphatically said, " This is 
also my faith, and I shall die in it, as I have 
lived, hoping in God's mercy, through our Lord 
and Saviour Jesus Christ." 

On the 18th of the month, being alone with a 
friend, he entered into conversation on the pre- 
sent state of Society, and remarked, that there 
were many under our name, who had made a 
mere profession, but had never been convinced 
of, nor yielded obedience to, the principles and 
doctrines of Friends ; and it w^as no marvel if 
such were carried off with unsound notions. 
He said, he believed it had been permitted, in 
order to manifest such as these, but he was firm 
in the faith, that the ancient doctrines and prin- 
ciples of the Society, as set forth in the Scrip- 
tures, would prevail ; and all those who were 
building on Jesus Christ, w^ould be preserved, 
amid all the storms and commotions that now 
agitated the Society ; and it would yet arise 
and shine in more of its ancient beauty than 
many now living have ever seen it; adding, 
" I may not live to see it, but there are some of 
you that will.'' He remarked to a friend who 
called to see him ; " It is a satisfaction to reflect 
that my outward concerns are all settled." 
After a solemn pause he added, " 1 know that 
1 am a poor creature, and have nothing to de- 



RICHARD JORDAN. 15 

pend on but the mercy of a gracious God, 
through Christ Jesus my Lord. Oh, these poor 
things that are trying to do away all belief in 
the authenticity of the Scriptures, and in a Sa- 
viour, what will become of them ! No other 
foundation can any man lay than that which is 
laid." His bodily sufferings were at times 
great, but he was preserved in patience and 
resignation to the Divine will ; and several 
times he ejaculated w^ith much earnestness, 
"Oh, blessed Saviour! Oh Lord Jesus help 
me;" evincing that his dependence was placed 
upon the Physician of value. 

A few days before his decease, he remarked 
to a friend, that the crisis had not been shown 
to him, when he should be taken ; but from the 
w^ay he felt, he thought it could not be much 
longer. The friend intimating that she sup- 
posed he thought he should not recover, he an- 
swered, " I leave it all to Him who knows how 
to order all things for the best. I have no de- 
sire but that his blessed will may be done." 

On Sixth-day, the 13th of Tenth month, he 
became much worse, and about three o'clock on 
Seventh- day morning, the approaching change 
was apparent. He was in much suffering until 
about ten o'clock, when the conflict seemed to 
be nearly over; and breathing shorter and 
shorter, he quietly and calmly departed, about 



16 HANNAH H. HARTSHORNE. 

a quarter after eleven o'clock, that forenoon, in 
the seventieth year of his age, being a minister 
about forty-five years. 



A Testimony of Shrewsbury Monthly Meetings 
concerning Hannah H. Hartshorne. 

" Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." 
Believing this language applicable to the subject 
of the following memorial, we are desirous the 
account may have a useful effect, particularly 
on those in early life, and encourage them to 
prize every visitation of Divine love and mercy, 
and dedicate their hearts to the cause of their 
Redeemer. 

Hannah H. Hartshorne, daughter of John 
and Hannah Hartshorne, in very early life 
evinced a tenderness and feeling under religious 
impressions, a sense of Divine love and mercy, 
and a desire to be of the number of those chil- 
dren of whom the blessed Saviour testified, " of 
such is the kingdom of heaven." Her natural 
disposition was lively and active ; hence she 
often felt the restraints of a guarded education 
to produce a cross to her inchnation, particu- 



HANNAH H. HARTSHORNE. 17 

larly in an attire consistent with our profes- 
sion. 

It appears from her diary, that it was her prac- 
tice from twelve years of age, to retire to her 
chamber, there in secret to hold communion 
with Him who had touched her heart with his 
love, entering into close scrutiny how she had 
passed the day. A painful disease confined 
her to the bed about three years — two of which 
she was deprived of the use of nearly all her 
limbs — attended with acute protracted suffering, 
which she was enabled to bear with patient 
resignation, acquiescing in the trying dispensa- 
tion, from the full persuasion it was permitted 
in best wisdom ; saying, " I believe if I entirely 
resign my own will, that power that has been 
with me, will continue with me to the end of 
my pilgrimage ; if it is not presumption in me to 
say so." 

The following is extracted from her diary. 

" Can 1 be grateful enough for the many 
blessings I daily receive from that good Hand, 
which has been near me. Poor and unworthy as 
I am, my Heavenly Father is mindful of me, 
and has graciously condescended to sweeten 
the bitter cup of suffering, which in mercy He 
has seen meet I should drink of. And although 
at times grievous to be borne, I believe my 

afflictions have been blessed to me many 

2# 



18 HANNAH H. HARTSHORNE. 

ways; they have had a tendency to wean 
me from the world, and stain the enjoyments 
thereof in my view, O, that all my young 
friends knew the incalculable benefit arising 
from an early dedication of ourselves to the 
Lord ; we can never begin too soon to prepare 
for death. 1 now see there is more real enjoy- 
ment in humbly submitting to His will concern- 
ing us, than in all the pleasures of this world, 
which soon pass away, and will never afford 
peace of mind. May others see the Lord's 
hand in my illness ; the marvellous loving kind- 
ness of my God, who has wonderfully been my 
support." 

On the state of Society, she notes : " Seventh 
month, 19th, 1827. This is a scattering time 
in our Society; many who were once as way- 
marks amongst us, have turned aside, and 
widely departed from the true faith, from the 
path trodden by our primitive Friends, who 
suffered persecution hard for flesh and blood to 
bear; but through all they continued stedfast 
in the truth. How different in the present day ! 
those who have departed and separated them- 
selves from the Society, arc trying to draw the 
young and inexperienced into their views on 
important and solemn subjects. Oh, may they 
be brought to see their error and repent, ere it 
is too late. The young people are much to be 



HANNAH H. HARtSHORNB. 19 

felt for ; may they be able to judge rightly.'^ 
She was frequently introduced into great 
poverty of spirit, which brought her mind 
into close exercise, and being of a retired, 
diffident disposition, this led into fear, lest 
she had offended her heavenly Father. She 
could not trust to former experience, nor 
live on the manna of yesterday, but desiring 
daily bread, sought it where it was to be found ; 
enduring without a murmer, all that her gra- 
cious Redeemer was pleased to appoint for her 
purification and refinement ; saying, "if it is the 
will of my heavenly Father, I think at times I 
could cheerfully sufler (if possible,) more than 
I have already gone through ; but when He is 
pleased to say it is enough, I shall be thankful, 
though I know it is an awfial thing to die ;" ad- 
ding, " I am a poor creature, but I feel quiet, 
and hope it is not a false rest. I have nothing 
of my own to trust to, but the grace and merits 
of my blessed Saviour, who has done much for 
me." Giving some directions and messages she 
added ; " live so as to prepare in health for 
such a time as this ; read the Scri ptures ; 1 have 
found great comfort in reading them, though I 
sometimes could not feel that, I have at other 
times felt, but it now affords me satisfaction. 
How different things appear on a sick bed ! 
Many opportunities I have not improved. 1 am 



20 HANNAH H. HARTSHORNE. 

sorry for not having been careful enough when 
at meeting to have ray mind engaged as it 
ought to be. Now I feel the privilege of attend- 
ing meetings ; Oh prize it." She spoke of her 
dissolution with much tranquillity, saying, " I 
believe my death will be without a struggle. I 
feel it will be peaceful ; and that you will be 
spared the trial of seeing me suffer at the last." 
At another time, " how dreadful it must be to 
feel distress at such a time as this; what can be 
equal to it !" Again, " It is through the cruci- 
fied Emmanuel I hope for acceptance ; I have 
done nothing to merit the favour. I have had 
a bitter cup, but it has been sweetened to me. 
I have not had one pain too much ; sweet peace 
has followed taking up the cross. Many things 
were a cross to my inclination, but I endea- 
voured to be faithful, and have been rewarded. 
Dress is trifling; I have considered it so since 
being sick ; it is vanity — the world and its fol- 
lies. Oh, if the light becomes darkness, how 
great is that darkness. It is necessary to have 
oil in the vessel; be ye also ready, for at such 
an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man com- 
eth. As my bodily powers weaken, I am 
stronger in the inner man." Desiring to hear 
a chapter read, she said, " Oh, the prospect I 
have had this morning of the happy state. I 
want to go to join in singing praises and 



HANNAH H. HARTSHORNE. 21 

thanksgiving. I long to enjoy what I have 
been favoured to see. It is a foretaste, but it is 
almost too much for any clothed with mortality 
to feel. What is to be compared with a happy 
eternity !'' Having passed through an exercis- 
ing season of mental conflict, she broke forth : 
" Rejoice with me, I have had a sweet prospect 
of angels, to carry me to the bosom of my Sa- 
viour. I have seen a white robe and a new 
name : it fully compensates for all my suffer- 
ings. I long to be gone." Some days after, she 
was heard in a feeble voice to say, " receive 
me into thy kingdom ; Oh, the quiet and sweet 
peace. 1 only asked for the lowest seat, and 
the arms of my Saviour are open to receive 
me !" Three weeks previous to her dissolution, 
the power of articulation entirely ceased, leav- 
ing her senses unimpaired ; and at the same 
time all pain left her. At this period, herself 
and friends apprehended her close was near ; a 
clear prospect seemed given her of entering 
into rest, and that a crown awaited her; which 
she intimated in an impressive manner, with a 
countenance composed and pleasant. But in 
unsearchable wisdom she was again deeply 
tried in body and mind ; yet it was evident that 
the Everlasting Arm was underneath. She inti- 
mated (by writing,) that she had been too anx- 
ious to be released, to enjoy the rest she had 



22 HANNAH H. HARTSHORNE. 

a prospect of, but now felt peace in being re- 
signed to life or death ; adding, "I believe it is 
not entirely on my own account I am contin- 
ued in suffering." At another time ; " As much 
as I suffer, I would not change my present situ- 
ation for any thing in this world, for what is it 
to me now? I feel nothing in my way. Let not 
the world, nor the things of it ever stand in the 
way of duty ; the cross must be borne, if we 
expect to obtain the crown." Thus continuing 
in unshaken faith on the one sure foundation, 
Christ Jesus, the Rock of Ages, until it pleas- 
ed infinite wisdom to release her spirit in the 
manner she had a prospect of, being favoured 
to experience a mitigation of bodily pain, and 
reheved from exercise of mind, some time be- 
fore her departure, she appeared centered in a 
calm, patiently waiting her change, the pros- 
pect continuing of an admission into those en- 
during mansions, where it is believed her 
" treasure was laid up." A few hours previous 
to which event her speech returned, and the last 
expression she was heard to utter, was " resig- 
nation." Soon after, (about the hour she had 
mentioned,) without apparent suffering, she 
sunk as in a slumber ; and gently breathed her 
last, the 6th of the Fifth month, 1828, in the 
23d year of her age. 



JOHN PARKER. 23 

A Testimony of Kennet Monthly Meeting con- 
cerning our Esteemed Friend John Parker. 

He was born in Wilmington, (Delaware,) in 
the year 1748, and had a birthright in the So- 
ciety of Friends. By the death of his father he 
was deprived at an early age of his parental 
care. About the 14th year of his age, he was 
put apprentice within the verge of London 
Grove meeting, which he sometimes attended ; 
and has often been heard to mention the many 
heart-tendering seasons he there experienced, 
under the baptising ministry of divers Friends, 
whom he ever after had in grateful remem- 
brance. Being of a sprightly disposition, and 
under but little restraint, no lasting impression 
was then manifest, but no doubt it was as bread 
cast upon the waters, found after many days. 
He served out his apprenticeship with reputa- 
tion. 

About the 26th year of his age, he entered 
into the marriage state, and settled within the 
verge of Kennet particular meeting, to which 
he belonged until his decease. Not long after 
his marriage, a time of great commotion over- 
spreading our country, he was brought into 
deep exercise ; having but httle to support his 
family, but what he procured by his own indus- 



24 JOHN PARKER. 

try, he was made willing to put his trust in that 
power which clothes the lilies and feeds the 
sparrows. It was about the 28th year of his 
age, that it pleased the Lord, in the riches of 
his mercy, to visit the mind of our dear friend 
with the powerful influence of the Holy Spirit, 
bringing his strong will into subjection, and 
sanctifying for the Master's service, the talents 
w^ith which he w^as endowed. It was then he 
beheved himself called to the solemn office of a 
Gospel minister. This, to him, was a humbling 
dispensation ; saying he felt so poor, so little, 
and uninstructed in the work of religion, that 
he could hardly esteem it possible that the 
Almighty would condescend to make use of so 
unworthy an instrument, for the promotion of 
his holy cause. His first appearance was in 
few words; and continuing in faith and patience, 
he grew in the Divine gift, and for many years 
was a faithful and able minister of the Gos- 
pel ; though not in the words which man's 
wisdom teaches, but in the simplicity and power 
of the Holy Spirit, to the edification and com- 
fort of many. 

He was enabled to bear with meekness, 
a fixrm and unshaken testimony against the 
shedding of human blood, and to the com- 
ing of the peaceful kingdom of the Mes- 
siah ; in which he was supported in his 
wonted cheerfulness, and evinced the soundness 



JOHN PARKER. 25 

of his faith, by many times patiently suffering 
the spoiling of his goods, and was also much 
engaged to strengthen the hands, and confirm 
the faith of those who were ready to be dismayed. 

It may be truly said he loved peace, and 
earnestly laboured to promote universal love, 
unity and good order in the church. He was a 
man of an original cast of character, not very 
thoughtful of what he should eat, or where- 
withal he should be clothed ; and feehng happi- 
ness and contentment within himself, he seemed 
to spread a ray thereof where he went. Having 
acquired a considerable fund of useful know- 
ledge, which joined to a familiar and unas- 
suming manner, made his company agreeable 
and instructive, many were comforted there- 
with. In the hour of affliction, in the chamber 
of sickness, and by the death bed, his character 
appeared in its most endearing aspect, being 
peculiarly gifted to administer consolation at 
such solemn seasons. 

In his worldly concerns, he set a good exam- 
ple of moderation, contented to live within the 
means he possessed, and cautious not to let his 
mind out into wordly entanglements, which tend 
to disqualify for a faithful discharge of religious 
duties ; not suffering any thing of a pecuniary 
nature, nor the inclemency of the weather, to 
prevent his attendance of rehgious meetings, 

3 



26 JOHN PARKER. 

if health permitted. He was a laborious man, 
working diligently with his hands to provide 
things necessary and honest in the sight of all 
men. A blessing having attended his honest 
endeavours, he supported his family with repu- 
tation ; and the example he has left behind in 
this respect, was of more real value than large 
patrimony. 

Being of an unsuspicious temper, and chari- 
table towards others, he was loath to believe 
that any who professed religion could be insin- 
cere ; and was disposed to make every allowance 
for the weakness of human nature, that the most 
Hberal charity could require. When a discon- 
tented, dividing spirit, made its appearance in 
our Society, he witnessed its progress with 
deep feeling ; and to the day of his death, his 
spirit was grieved, and borne down in behold- 
ing the desolations which abounded ; but when 
it became apparent that the cause of Truth was 
at stake, and that the doctrine and discipline of 
our Society ought to be maintained, even at the 
sacrifice of personal condderations, he met the 
crisis with that firmness which had character- 
ised him through life, not regarding the frowns 
of men, where he believed the testimony of 
Truth was concerned. However deeply affect- 
ed with evidences of a slanderous spirit, he was 
not to be deterred in the honest discharge of 
apprehended duty. 



JOHN PARKER. 



27 



During the course of last winter, he was 
severely attacked with a catarrh fever, from 
the effects of which he never fully recovered. 
A short time previous to our last Yearly 
Meeting, he performed a visit to his friends 
in Philadelphia, and parts of Jersey; and 
though labouring under much debility of body, 
attended meetings as they occurred; and 
by information received, he was in most of 
them acceptably engaged in public testimony, 
and manifested a freshness and greenness in 
his old age, animating to others. He attended 
our last Yearly Meeting, but w^as impressed 
with a belief that it would be the last he should 
attend. After his return home his bodily de- 
bility increased, though his mind seemed to 
brighten. About three weeks before his de- 
cease, he mentioned to a friend ; " I think 
much of late about dying ;" adding, " it is a se- 
rious thing to die. If the righteous scarcely 
are saved, where shall the wicked and un- 
godly appear.'' About a week after, in his last 
public testimony, being in a very weak state of 
health, he quoted the text, " Whatsoever 
was written aforetime was written for our 
learning, that we, through patience and com- 
fort of the Scriptures might have hope ;" this 
he explained to be the hope of eternal life, 
through Jesus Christ; and that the doctrines of 



28 JOHN PARKER. 

the Scriptures, with regard to Christianity, 
were to be devoutly read and beheved ; and as 
we advanced in rehgious experience, and above 
all, as we drew near the solemn close of time, 
we should, if we really were members of the 
church of Christ, increase in desire to read and 
to meditate upon the promises and consolations 
of the sacred volume: closing with these 
words; ''what better can I say in conclusion, 
concerning these writings, than to use the lan- 
guage of a learned and pious man; 'they 
have God for their author, salvation for their 
end, and truth, without any mixture of error 
for their matter.' " Near this time he remarked 
to a friend ; " As regards myself, I can remem- 
ber the time in my youth when I first gave in 
my name to serve the Lord. I was broken 
down and deeply contrited ; and in this lowly 
state, experienced inexpressible peace and 
sweetness of feehng. A renewal of this pre- 
cious feeling, I have felt at various periods of 
my life ;" and added, " I think I have felt a 
measure of it now in my old age." With res- 
pect to the leaders of the party which had 
seceded from Friends, he said he was fully con- 
vinced, that the ground of their departure, was 
radical unsoundness in the Christain faith, hav- 
ing rejected the doctrines of the divinity and 
mediation of Jesus Christ ; and further added, 



JOHxN PARKER. 29 

that for such as had been beguiled and misled 
by these leaders, he felt much sympathy and 
great anxiety. Speaking of the awfulness of a 
denial of Christ, he said; "the divinity and 
mediation of Christ, form the foundation-stone 
of the Christian religion ; all that is built on any 
other foundation than this, will be found to be 
built on the sand." And further gave it as his 
opinion, that the want of true humility, and the 
pride and arrogance of the human heart, had 
been the means of estranging many from the 
path of peace. With regard to an individual, 
he said; "he believed he had been too high- 
minded to receive the caution and advice of 
elders, and other faithful Friends ; and that he 
had always thought it right himself, to take 
such counsel, and had found safety in it." Some 
days before his decease, he said ; " I have 
much comfort here ; my only hope is in Christ 
and in his mediation and intercession with the 
Father, for my being received in the end." 
He expressed at another time, when under 
great suffering : "Oh, that I had the wings of a 
dove, that 1 might flee away, and be at rest. 
Be near me. Oh Lord, in these times of great 
trial, when the soul is about to be separated 
from the body. Oh Lord, my trust is in thee, 
let me not be ashamed." Two days before 
his death, finding himself growing worse, he 

3^ 



30 SARAH CRE§SON. 

took an affectionate leave of his family, and 
spoke at some length, setting forth his faith 
and belief in the dear Redeemer, who gave 
himself a ransom for all. After this, he often 
appeared to be either in vocal or mental sup- 
plication, until First-day morning, the 1 2th of 
the Seventh month, 1829, when he quietly 
breathed his last; being in the 81st year of his 
age. Having laboured earnestly for the promo- 
tion of the blessed cause of truth and righteous- 
ness in the earth, the remembrance of his faith- 
ful labours is precious to many minds. 



A Testimony of Haddonfield Monthly Meeting 
of Friends in New Jersey^ held Second month 
Sth^ 1830, concerning our beloved friend 
Sarah Cresson. 

This, our dear friend, was the daughter of 
Joshua and Mary Cresson, members of our reli- 
gious Society, and was born in the City of 
Philadelphia, in the year 1771. 

Early in the morning of hfe, her mind was 
awakened to the great and important duty of 
preparing for a happy immortality ; and not rea- 
soning with flesh and blood, but yielding obe- 
dience to the light of Christ, she grew in grace, 



SARAH CRESSON. 31 

and became eminently qualified for usefulness 
in that ministry, whereunto we believe she was 
called, and appeared in the public exercise 
thereof, in the 20th year of her age. 

She was engaged in our religious meetings, 
and on other occasions, to wait in solemn 
silence before the Lord ; so that the reverent 
frame of her mind, was apparent in her coun- 
tenance, and seemed to shed its influence on 
those around her. Continuing dedicated to 
that dignified cause in which she was engaged, 
she became enlarged in the ministry, and tra- 
velled much on this continent, in the service of 
Truth ; in the promotion whereof her mind was 
deeply interested ; and under the prevalence of 
that humility, which was the clothing of her 
spirit, ascribed all to Him, who is the author of 
all good ; saying, " I feel it needful to remem- 
ber, that I can do nothing for myself, or for 
any one else, however dear and beloved, unaid- 
ed and unreplenished with heavenly virtue and 
grace." 

In the year 1807, she removed to live within 
the limits of this monthly meeting, of which 
she continued a member ; fervently labouring 
in our meetings for the cause of her Divine 
Master ; and being eminently favoured in sup- 
plication and prayer, she seemed to have near 
access to the Throne of Grace. 



32 SARAH CRESSON. 

Her sympathising spirit was often drawn to 
visit the habitations of the poor and afflicted ; 
and her benevolence in administering to their 
wants, will, we trust, be had in lasting remem- 
brance by many. 

She attended our last Yearly Meeting, and 
was very acceptably exercised therein ; shortly 
after which, she was mostly confined by bodily 
indisposition, and was several times heard to 
say, " She believed she should not attend ano- 
ther Yearly Meeting, or again visit her friends 
in Philadelphia, as the period of her removal 
from this scene of probation was near at 
hand." Adding, " How desirable it is to live 
each day as though it were the last ; to be in 
truth, a dedicated disciple of the blessed and 
holy Jesus ; however stripped and tried ; how- 
ever cast into the furnace, heated seven times 
more than ordinary.'' At one time she said ; 
" Oh, to be a purified spirit, a saint clothed in 
white raiment ; how is it to be coveted, though 
all things else vanish, or become as a scroll ! 
Oh, then may we be strengthened to say, ' Let 
not thine hand spare, nor thine eye pity,' om- 
niscient, holy One — completely pure — ineflfably 
glorious ! — for I am sensible, all that I can enjoy, 
must be by the influence of thine unfathomable, 
unbounded mercy !" 

In speaking of the separation which had 



SARAH CRESSON. 



S3 



taken place from our religious Society, she said ; 
" It had been produced by a departure from first 
principles in many ways." 

This, our dear friend, dwelt much in retire- 
ment, believing that in frequently waiting in 
secret before the Lord, our spiritual strength 
would be renewed; and we become thence 
enabled, in our intercourse with each other, to 
witness preservation from indulging in vain and 
trifling conversation. 

It was also her religious concern to be pre- 
served from feeling hardness, or bitterness to- 
wards her fellow creatures ; believing the more 
we dwelt in the spirit of the blessed Jesus, the 
more we should be enabled to stand before our 
enemies ; often expressing, that " meekness is 
the Christian's armor." 

At one time, she supplicated thus : " Most 
holy, heavenly Creator ; Lord of heaven and 
earth, and sea! I would with all my sense of 
vileness, ask thee, to deliver me from this hour 
and power of darkness, and temptation. Oh ! 
let me trust in thy power, and recur to the 
merits of Jesus, the Son, and Sent of thee, that 
I may wait and hope for thy forgiveness, and 
escape from destruction." 

For some time previous to her confinement 
by indisposition, she was frequently engaged in 
her ministerial gift in our meetings, bringing 



31 SARAH CRESSON. 

forth out of the treasure-house, things ancient 
and new ; and was favoured with renewed 
abihty from time to time to preach Jesus of 
Nazareth, and him crucified, to the confirming 
of many in the truths of the Gospel ; saying, 
" Unless I can preach Jesus Christ, and him 
crucified, my lips must be forever sealed in 
silence." 

The preaching of this Scriptural doctrine, 
gave oflTence to some of those who had em- 
braced unsound views, under the specious 
pretence of greater light, and deeper insight 
into the mysteries of the Gospel. 

About two weeks before her decease, she left 
her home to try the eflfect of a change of air at 
Woodbury, where in a few days she w^as at- 
tacked with bilious fever. 

A state of severe mental conflict, was per- 
mitted, in inscrutable wisdom, to attend our 
beloved friend ; as it has also many other ded- 
icated servants of the most High. Yet amidst 
this season of deep baptism, we have reason to 
believe that her hope and confidence in the Rock 
of her Salvation, was in great mercy renewed. 
A day or two before her death, she was ob- 
served to clasp her hands together, and express 
these words, "Oh! my soul, praise be to 
God !" which were nearly the last words she 
was heard to utter. After which she remained 



HANNAH EVANS. 35 

nearly quiet, and calmly closed her life on the 
23d of the Ninth month, 1829, aged 58 years; 
a minister about 38 years. The remarkable, 
peaceful, and sweet solemity, felt by those 
present at the time of her final close, was an 
evidence, we humbly trust, that she is admitted 
into that holy city, which needeth not the light 
of the sun, nor of the moon ; for the glory of 
God doth enlighten it, and the Lamb is the 
light thereof. Her remains, accompanied by 
many Friends, were interred in Friends' burial 
ground at Haddonfield, on the 24th of Ninth 
month, 1829. 



Testimony of the Monthly Meeting of Friends 
of Philadelphia^ for the Southern District^ 
held Eleventh month 25th^ 1829, concerning 
our beloved friend Hannah Evans. 

She was the daughter of David and Mary 
Bacon, late of this city, and was born in the 
Third month, 1765. In early life, she w^as 
made sensible of the fear of the Lord, and 
through the gracious extendings of his love, 
was drawn into submission to the humbling 
power of the cross of Christ. Being concerned 
to abide under the purifying operation thereof, 



36 HANNAH EVANS. 

she was enabled to maintain a steady example 
of humility, and a close adherence to our reli- 
gious testimonies, and was thus gradually pre- 
pared for usefulness in the church. 

In the year 1786, she was married to our 
friend Jonathan Evans, and settled within the 
limits of this meeting; and sometime after 
was appointed an elder ; which station she en- 
deavoured to fill with fidehty and a tender con- 
cern for the prosperity of Truth, and a lively 
exercise for the improvement of her fellow 
members. 

She was an example of simplicity and self- 
denial in her family, and endeavoured to bring 
up her children in the fear of the Lord ; being 
more concerned for their everlasting welfare, 
than for the acquisition of any temporal advan- 
tage. 

In seasons of religious retirement, when the 
family was collected in silence, or for the pur- 
pose of reading the holy Scriptures, and other 
religious books, the fervent exercise of her spi- 
rit was often felt, to the tendering of the hearts 
of those present. 

She was circumspect and solid in her deport- 
ment, yet affable, affectionate and cheerful; 
rendering her company agreeable and instruc- 
tive. Feeling much sympathy with such as 
were under affliction, she was often engaged 



HANNAH EVANS, 37 

in alleviating their distress, labouring to pro- 
mote the welfare and happiness of her fellow 
creatures. 

Being endued with a sound judgment, sanc- 
tified by Divine grace, she was made eminently 
useful in the exercise of our Christian discipline, 
labouring in meekness and love to support the 
salutary order of church government. She 
was faithful in private labour with such as had 
missed their way ; earnestly and affectionately 
seeking their restoration. 

Having for several years been impressed 
with a weighty sense that in the ordering of 
Divine wisdom, she was called to the ministry 
of the Gospel of Christ, she was greatly hum- 
bled under the prospect; and after enduring 
various baptisms, preparatory to this awful 
work, she was strengthened to resign herself 
to the all-wise direction of the blessed Head of 
the Church, and came forth in public testimony 
in the year 1801. 

In our religious meetings, she was engaged 
in humble, reverent waiting on the Lord, for 
the renewal of spiritual strength, being concern- 
ed not to move in the exercise of her gift, with- 
out the fresh evidence of Divine requiring. 

With the approbation of this meeting, she 
paid religious visits to many of the meetings 
of Friends, within our own, and some of the 

4 



38 HANNAH EVANS. 

neighbouring Yearly Meetings ; though, during 
the last sixteen years of her life, her constitu- 
tion was so impaired by frequent attacks of se- 
vere illness, that she was unable to travel much. 
Yet in this debilitated state, and even while 
under great bodily infirmity, she manifested a 
continued dedication to the cause of Truth, in 
the dihgent attendance of our meetings for 
Divine worship, and for discipline; in which 
respects her care and example were conspic- 
uous, even w^hen her weakness was so great 
as scarcely to admit of her going out. She 
suffered much in spirit on account of the 
attempts made of latter years to destroy a 
belief in the authority of the holy Scriptures, 
and faith in the divinity and offices of our Lord 
and Saviour Jesus Christ ; and was concerned 
to bear testimony, both publicly and privately, 
against the danger of yielding in the smallest 
degree, to the delusive opinions of those, who, 
under a profession of great spirituality, were 
secretly endeavouring to undermine the founda- 
tion of the Christian religion. 

On the 22d of the Second month, 1829, she 
was taken very ill. On Third-day morning, 
the 24th of the month, she remarked ; " I feel 
like a poor thing; my bodily weakness and 
distress are very great. If my mind can only 
be kept in humble dependence upon Him, who 



HANNAH EVANS. 39 

alone can support and sustain in affliction, it 
will be a great blessing." On Fourth-day she 
remarked ; " The extreme pain causes me to 
moan ; but I do not murmur or complain.'' 
And shortly after ; '^ This suffering is only of 
the body, the mind is quiet and calm. It seems 
as if I could take hold of no worldly thing." In 
the afternoon : " We must all fill up our por- 
tion of suffering, but if it only purifies and 
cleanses, and prepares us for a better inherit- 
ance, it is no matter what our sufferings here 
are." In the evening she remarked ; " My suf- 
ferings on Second-day night were so great, that 
I thought it would have been the closing scene; 
but it was a great favour that I felt nothing, as 
regarded myself, pressing on my mind." 

On Fifth-day morning, she remarked to one 
of her family ; " It is marvellous how calm and 
peaceful my mind is preserved ; it is a great 
mercy." It being observed that death would 
be a happy change for her, she replied, " Yes, 
through mercy it will ; death never seemed to 
me to be so near before. I have no wish either 
for life or death ; but desire to suffer patiently 
whatever the Lord may see meet to dispense. 
I leave it all to Him, who knows how to order 
all things for the best. My mind is mercifully 
centered in a state of peaceful resignation. I 
have endeavoured to do what I could; and now 



40 HANNAH EVANS. 

I must leave you in the hands of Him who has 
been my strength and support, under many 
deep trials and conflicts. Keep low — keep 
humble, — what a precious thing true humility 
is ! O, how I have prayed for myself, that I 
might be kept little and humble ; and for you 
also/' In the afternoon, she thus expressed 
herself. " Some of us can say we have nothing 
to boast of but infirmities. It is not by works 
of righteousness that we have done ; it is of his 
mere mercy that we are not consumed, because 
his compassions fail not." After a pause ; 
" O this pain, this severe pain, it is hard for 
nature to bear ; but it is all pain of body, the 
mind is calm and quiet. It has been a great 
support and consolation to me many times 
under trial, that I have held firm my faith in 
the mediation and redemption of our Lord and 
Saviour Jesus Christ, and it w as never more 
firm than at this time. It is all I have to trust to 
now in this time of suffering. Nothing else 
will do for us." 

A little while before her close, it was re- 
marked, that it seemed likely her sufferings 
w^ould shortly be over ; to which she replied ; 
" Yes; they will soon be over. I feel very quiet 
and comfortable." And soon after, her hus- 
band being by her, she said to him; " Trust in 
the Lord ;" which were her last w^ords. 



ELIZABETH COLLINS. 41 

She quietly departed on the morning of the 
27th of the Second month, 1829; we have no 
doubt, to an inheritance, incorruptible — unde- 
filed, that fadeth not away — eternal in the hea- 
vens ; being aged nearly 64 years ; a minister 
about 28 years. In the recollection of her cir- 
cumspect life, and her dedication to the service 
of her Lord and Master, we can feelingly adopt 
the language ; " Blessed are the dead which die 
in the Lord, from henceforth ; yea, saith the 
Spirit, that they may rest from their labours, 
and their works do follow them." 



A Testimony of the Monthly Meeting cf Upper 
Evesham^ New Jersey^ held Third month 12/A, 
\Q^\^ concerning our beloved friend Eliza- 
beth Collins. 

This, our dear Friend, was born the 4th of 
the First month, 1755 ; her parents, Joshua 
and Naomi Ballenger, being members of our 
religious Society. 

It appears by her own account, left in writ- 
ing, that her father died soon after she was six 
years of age, which, notwithstanding the care 
of a watchful and affectionate mother, subject- 

4# 



42 ELIZABETH COLLINS. 

ed her to many trials and difficulties ; but she 
found her gracious Helper to be near ; al- 
though, like Samuel, when called of the Lord, 
she knew not what it was, that then tendered 
her mind, causing her at times to wet her pil- 
low with her tears. But yielding, in measure, 
to His divine spirit, she experienced the 
supporting arm to be underneath, and was 
strengthened to resist many of the temptations 
incident to youth. 

In the eighteenth year of her age, she joined 
in marriage with John Mason, a member of 
Evesham meeting, who, in about four years, was 
removed by death. 

Being thus left with two small children, 
under a humbhng sense of her afflictions and 
trials, she was brought very low in body and 
mind ; but, (she remarks,) " the Lord, in mercy 
was near to support, and bear up through all, 
that I did not sink below hope ; but was ena- 
bled to put my trust in Him, who had promised 
to be with the widow and fatherless.'' 

In the year 1778, she was married to our 
Friend, Job Collins, and became a member of 
Upper Evesham meeting ; where, in the twenty- 
fourth year of her age, her mind became exer- 
cised, under an apprehension that she was 
called to bear public testimony therein. After 
a season of deep baptism, she was enabled to 



ELIZABETH COLLINS. 43 

3^ield obedience to the Divine requirings, by 
expressing a few words in meeting, which 
afforded her great peace of mind. Notwith- 
standing this, she had often to experience times 
of close stripping, when she was ready to call 
all in question ; but he who regardeth the sigh- 
ing of the needy, and satisfieth the hungry 
soul with bread, condescended in mercy to 
favour her with the light of His glorious coun- 
tenance, to the strength and consolation of her 
drooping spirit ; qualifying her as she attend- 
ed closely to the manifestations of duty, and 
persevered in unreserved dedication to the 
Divine master, to become a useful instrument 
in publishing the glad tidings of the Gospel of 
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. As a 
minister, she was skilful in dividing the word ; 
labouring zealously in the authority of Truth, 
to stir up the lukewarm and indifferent, and 
speaking a word in season to those that were 
weary ; while the purity of her life, and the 
Christian meekness which marked her charac- 
ter, adorned the doctrines she delivered to 
others. In the exercise of the discipline she 
w as judicious and firm, being deeply concerned 
for the maintenance of our religious testimo- 
nies. 

At different times she was engaged in reli- 
gious visits to the meetings of Friends in this. 



44 ELIZABETH COLLINS. 

and some of the adjacent states ; and also in 
the weighty service of visiting famihes in divers 
places ; for which service she appeared to be 
peculiarly qualified. 

The latter years of her life w^ere attended 
with much bodily indisposition, but her exer- 
tions to meet with her Friends in their reli- 
gious assemblies, and her humble and reverent 
deportment, on those solemn occasions, afforded 
a striking example to others. 

On the decease of several near connections 
about the same period, by which she felt much 
stripped, she expressed herself in the following 
manner. " Although I was thus stripped, yet 
I was not forsaken by the Father and Fountain 
of all our sure mercies, who, in condescending 
love, was pleased to comfort my mind ; yea, to 
favour with His holy presence, that I was led 
humbly to commemorate his goodness. His 
love and mercies, extended from season to sea- 
son ; and secretly to implore the continuance 
of his blessing through time ; that I might not 
become a dry and withered branch. O ! it 
is a blessed state to be preserved in the Truth ; 
bringing forth fruit in old age :" — which was re- 
markably verified in the experience of this our 
beloved Friend in her advanced life. 

Being greatly exercised on account of the 
speculative and unsound doctrines and opinions 



ELIZABETH COLLINS. 45 

that have of late years been disseminated in 
our Society, she was often led, in her public 
communications, to bear a faithful testimony 
against them, earnestly asserting her belief in 
the Lord Jesus as the Saviour of men, and the 
only appointed means of salvation; and a few 
months previous to her death, she drew up the 
following declaration. "As my health con- 
tinues feeble, an impression has repeatedly 
revived on my mind, as it is a day of misrepre- 
sentation, that it would be right for me to leave 
something to show, that my faith is not chang- 
ed ; but in the faith in which I have lived, in 
that faith 1 desire to die. I hereby testify, that 
I am a firm believer in the divinity and offices 
of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ ; that he 
was the true Messiah, born of the virgin Mary, 
and that he came a light into the world, to 
enhghten mankind universally. That he was 
the one great propitiatory sacrifice and atone- 
ment for all. That he laid down his fife; paid 
the ransom of his own precious blood for our 
salvation and redemption ; and when his mis- 
sion here on earth was finished, ascended up 
on high ; and now sitteth at the right hand of 
the Divine majesty, making intercession for 
poor fallen man. And that he is our holy High 
Priest, and Advocate with the Father, even his 
own beloved Son, to whom belong glory and 



46 ELIZABETH COLLINS. 

honour, adoration, thanksgiving and praise, 
both now and forevermore," 

After nearly a year's confinement through 
indisposition, her health was sufficiently im- 
proved, in the Ninth and Tenth months last, 
to admit of her again attending our religious 
meetings. In those last opportunities of min- 
gling with her Friends in solemn worship, she 
was remarkably qualified to minister in that 
Divine ability for which she had been careful 
to wait. 

In the course of the illness which immedi- 
ately preceded her final change, she was pre- 
served in patience and resignation, manifesting 
a wilhngness to fill up her measure of suffering; 
often expressing, she had no desire respecting 
the issue of her disease, and could adopt the 
language of the apostle ; " For to me, to live is 
Christ, and to die is gain." Her spirit was so 
clothed with peace and love, that the influence 
thereof gave evidence to those around her, that 
she was, iii measure, participating in the joys 
above. 

As the closing period drew near, her mind 
seemed more and more withdrawn from the 
world ; and under a sense that her work was 
done, and all would be well, she appeared as 
one quietly waiting for the coming of her Lord 
to grant her admission into the mansions of 



WILLIAM AND HANNAH JACKSON. 47 

everlasting rest ; into which we have no doubt 
she has been permitted to enter. 

She quietly departed this life on the 1st of 
Second month, 1831, in the 77th year of her 
age, having been a minister about 52 years ; 
and on the 4th of the same month her remains 
were interred in Friends' burial-ground at 
Upper Evesham. 



A Testimony of New Garden Monthly Meet- 
ings held Eleventh month dth^ 1834, respecting 
William and Hannah Jackson. 

William Jackson, born in the Seventh 
month, 1746, was the son of Wilham and 
Katharine Jackson, by whom he was carefully 
educated in the principles of our religious 
Society. The godly care and consistent exam- 
ple of his pious parents, appear to have pre- 
pared his mind, at a very early age, for the 
reception of the seed of the kingdom ; and being 
visited, in his tender years, with the day-spring 
from on high, and brought to see the emptiness 
and vanity of the world, he was led earnestly 
to seek an habitation which fadeth not away ; 
eternal in the heavens. 



48 WILLIAM AND HANNAH JACKSON. 

From what can now be collected respecting 
his youthful days, there is reason to believe 
that he was preserved in close attention to the 
voice of the true Shepherd. 

The time of his first appearance in the min- 
istry was probably about the year 1775. A 
note in his handwriting, dated in the Second 
month of that year, to the following import, 
has been found among his papers. "Having for 
some months, in the beginning of this winter, 
felt the refining hand to work mightily upon 
me, and believing it to be for some good end, 
a prayer was often formed in my heart ; Thou 
knowest, O Father, for what end thou thus 
dealest with me ; grant me, therefore, patience, 
and to my soul a place of quiet, that I may 
wait to know the end." 

It appears that he passed about this time, 
through many deep baptisms, under a sense of 
the importance of the service to which he 
believed himself called, and his own unfitness 
for so great a work ; but his exercises on this 
account appear to have centered in the petition, 
" Not my will, but thine, be done." 

In the Second month, 1776, he was recom- 
mended as a minister; and in the course of that 
year, and the four following ones, with the con- 
currence of his Friends, he visited the meetings 
of Friends in some parts of Virginia and Mary- 



WILLIAM AND HANNAH JACKSON. 49 

land, as well as those in several parts of our 
own Yearly Meeting. From the certificates 
which were given him by his Friends at home, 
the endorsements received from the meetings 
visited, and more particularly from the recollec- 
tion of some who knew him at that period, it ap- 
appears that his ministry was then, what it con- 
tinued to be through the remainder of his life, 
sound in doctrine, weighty and solemn in man- 
ner, clear and cogent in matter, and clothed with 
the simplicity and authority of the gospel. He 
was through life remarkable for the gravity and 
solidity of his deportment, and for the innocent 
and instructive nature of his conversation. 

In the beginning of 1781, he left home to 
pay a religious visit to Friends in some parts 
of New Jersey and New York governments. 
Shortly after he set out, finding his mind reli- 
giously drawn to visit some places not desig- 
nated in his certificate, he wrote to his Friends 
at home^ acquainting them with his concern, 
and received a minute of the monthly meeting, 
expressive of their concurrence with his more 
extended prospect. After he had been engaged 
in this service the greater part of a year, and 
not only visited most of the meetings proposed, 
but the families in several places; and was 
looking towards the close of his arduous en- 
gagement, he found his peace concerned in 

5 



50 WILLIAM AND HANNAH JACKSON. 

giving up to a still further extension of labour 
to Friends in New England. The situation of 
the country at that time, owing to the war then 
carried on, rendered travelling both difficult and 
dangerous, and very much increased the diffi- 
culty of communicating with his Friends at 
home ; yet such was his caution, and regard for 
the order of Society, that he did not venture to 
proceed beyond the limits marked out by the 
documents in his possession, till means were 
found to acquaint the monthly meeting to which 
he belonged, with his religious concern, and to 
obtain its consent to his paying a general visit 
to Friends in New England. In this service he 
appears to have continued until near the end of 
the year 1782 ; and to have passed through 
many trials, both inwardly and outwardly. He 
was frequently exposed to danger from compa- 
nies of lawless men, who then infested some 
parts of the country through which he was con- 
cerned to travel ; and we find, by his own ac- 
count, that he was, once at least, preserved 
from imminent peril by attending to a secret 
intimation, when outward information was to- 
tally wanting. Thus experiencing the safety 
of depending, in his daily movements, upon a 
wisdom superior to his own. 

In the early part of 1788, he was married to 
Hannah Seaman, daughter of Thomas and 



WILLIAM AND HANNAH JACKSON. 51 

Hannah Seaman, of Westbury, Long Island, in 
whom he found, until very near the close of his 
hfe, a truly valuable and helpful companion. 
Of this worthy Friend, who, in consequence of 
her marriage, came to reside among us, and 
continued for about 40 years an active and use- 
ful member of this meeting, we are concerned 
to give a short memorial. 

She was, at a very early age, deprived of the 
care and guardianship of her mother ; in con- 
sequence of whose removal, the care of her 
education devolved chiefly upon her father. 
He being concerned to train up his children in 
the nurture and admonition of the Lord ; in the 
frequent reading of the holy Scriptures, and the 
writings of our primitive Friends ; in the dili- 
gent attendance of religious meetings, and the 
practice of frequently sitting together in silence 
to wait for the renewal of strength ; her mind 
was prepared to embrace the early visitations 
of ^Truth; and by yielding obedience to the 
gradual unfoldings of the Divine counsel, she 
became qualified for usefulness in the church ; 
and was at an early period of life, appointed to 
the station of elder. In this situation, the in- 
tegrity of her life, and the sweetness of her 
spirit, brought her into near unity with her 
Friends; but a further dispensation being 
allotted to her, she passed through various hu- 



52 WILLIAM AND HANNAH JACKSON. 

miliating exercises, and was thereby prepared 
to engage in the important work of the ministry. 

Her pubhc communications were not fre- 
quent, but sound and acceptable. In the exer- 
cise of the disciphne, she was clear and skilful ; 
careful to set the judgment of Truth upon trans- 
gressors ; but a tender mother to those who 
were sincerely concerned for its cause and 
testimony. In her family she was an example 
of plainness and simplicity, fully and faithfully 
uniting with her husband in his testimony 
against superfluity in dress and furniture. 
When he was concerned to travel in the ser- 
vice of Truth, she not only gave him up freely, 
but laboured to encourage and support him in 
the performance of his religious duty. 

After his marriage, Wilham was frequently 
engaged in visiting the meetings within the 
limits of Philadelphia, New York and New 
England Yearly Meetings. In the year 1798, 
he paid a general visit to the meetings of 
Friends in New York and some parts of New 
England ; and from accounts received, it appears 
that in these engagements he was favoured to 
move under the direction of best Wisdom, and 
to adorn, by his life and conversation, the doc- 
trine he was concerned to preach to others. 

Having been for many years, under a con- 
cern to pay a religious visit to Friends in Great 



WILLIAM AND HANNAH JACKSON. 53 

Britain and Ireland, in the Second month, 1802, 
he opened his prospect to Friends of this 
meeting ; which obtaining their weighty atten- 
tion, was united with, and the needful docu- 
ments were furnished by this and the respective 
superior meetings. He landed at Liverpool in 
the Eighth month following ; and spent about 
three years, often under great weakness and 
infirmity of body, as well as many deep and 
weighty exercises of mind, yet assiduously la- 
bouring in the work of the gospel. During this 
time he appears to have attended nearly all thie 
meetings of Friends in England, Ireland and 
Scotland, as well as some parts of Wales; and 
a number of them several times. In the brief 
memorial which he has left of this visit, we find 
him patiently travelling on, from day to day, 
attending the meetings where the members 
were reduced to a very small and feeble rem- 
nant, searching out and labouring to strengthen 
the seeking seed in their lonely situations. 

In the attendance of the larger meetings for 
worship and discipline, he was deeply concern- 
ed, not only to leave among them whatever was 
clearly impressed on his mind, as their due, but 
to set a proper example of resignation and pa- 
tience ; observing he had often seen a danger 
that those who were rightly exercised might 
lose their reward, and even mar the work they 

5^ 



54 WILLIAM AND HANNAH JACKSON, 

were labouring to promote, by suffering their 
own wills to get up, and adhering tenaciously 
to their own judgments, after they had cast their 
mite into the common stock. " Oh," says he, 
" these meetings for discipline, were they held 
and maintained in the wisdom and power of 
God, the active members knowing their own 
wills subjected to His will, and moving only as 
he moves them, either to speak or to be silent, 
what schools of instruction would they be, both 
to the youth, and to those more advanced. I 
am now advanced to the 59th year of my age, 
and find myself but a learner, and in need of 
daily instruction." 

He arrived in his native country in the 
autumn of 1805, bringing with him satisfactory 
testimonials from the Yearly Meetings of Minis- 
ters and Elders in London and Dublin. 

After his return from Europe, he visited a 
number of meetings within our own, and the 
Yearly Meetings of Virginia and Maryland; 
and in 1824, attended the Yearly Meetings of 
New York and New England. In these various 
engagements, his edifying ministry and solid, 
circumspect deportment, obtained the cordial 
approbation of Friends, and rendered his mem- 
ory precious to many of those among whom he 
travelled. 

When at home he was exemplary in the dili- 



WILLIAM AND HANNAH JACKSON. 55 

gent and timely attendance of religious meetings. 
His appearances there in the ministry, were not 
very frequent, but carrying with them the seal 
and evidence of Truth. As he bore a faithful tes- 
timony in his own practice in favour of plainness 
in dress and the furniture of his house, so he 
was frequently concerned to recommend it to 
others; being often deeply pained with the 
departure of many among us, from primitive 
simplicity. The ancient testimony of the 
Society, to live within the bounds of our cir- 
cumstances, and to avoid engaging in hazard- 
ous enterprises, to the disturbance of our own 
tranquillity, and the endangering of the property 
of others, lay very near to his heart ; often 
advising his Friends, and particularly those 
who were just setting out in life, to make their 
wants few, and thus avoid the danger of being 
driven to doubtful or improper expedients to 
supply them. 

During the commotions in the Society which 
preceded and accompanied the late separation, 
William and his wife remained firmly attached 
to the ancient doctrines and principles of 
Friends) and he bore a considerable part in the 
labour and unjust reproach which fell upon the 
faithful advocates of the cause of Christ; 
openly expressing his belief, that the contest 
was one between Christianity and infidelity. 



56 WILLIAM AND HANNAH JACKSON. 

After a life extended considerably beyond the 
period usually allotted to man, and an exten- 
sive acquaintance with the Society in Europe 
and America, he was able to testify, that the 
doctrines which Friends maintain in the present 
day, are the same as had been uniformly es- 
poused and promulgated, by the most conspic- 
uous ministers, from the time of his earliest 
recollection. 

Retaining his faculties in old age without 
visible decay, he performed several short jour- 
neys, in the service of Society, after he had 
passed his eightieth year ; but about two years 
before his decease, he found the disorder com- 
ing on, which eventually terminated his pil- 
grimage here. During the progress of the dis- 
ease, though he often found the struggles of 
nature difficult to bear, he was preserved in 
patience and resignation, frequently making 
instructive observations, and sometimes com- 
memorating the gracious dealings of the Lord 
with him, in his youth. While his strength wa& 
gradually wearing away, he was at times able 
to attend the meeting to which he belonged ; 
and at one of these meetings, when a number 
of young persons were present, he repeated 
the saying of the patriarch Jacob, "God, be- 
fore whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did 
walk, the God that fed me all my Hfe long unto 



WILLIAM AND HANNAH JACKSON. 57 

this day, the angel which redeemed me from all 
evil, bless the lads ;" with a solemnity which 
made a deep impression on the minds of those 
present. 

In the time of his lingering illness he read 
much in the Scriptures, or desired others to 
read them to him ; often explaining passages 
that were read. One evening, speaking of the 
nights as tedious, he solemnly added, " I wish 
to be kept from thinking hard of my allotment ; 
through a long life I have been mercifully 
favoured; though I have not been without 
afflictions, yet they have been light in compari- 
son with the favours received. Great and mar- 
vellous are the works, just and true are all 
the ways of the Creator of heaven and earth, 
the seas and fountains of water, and all that in 
them is. Let all serve and give glory to his 
name. Oh, worship him ! Time passeth over, 
the end of all things is at hand. Hope is an 
anchor to the soul both sure and steadfast. I 
often feel more desire than I can express that 
the youth may walk in the way of truth and 
righteousness." 

A- short time before his death some friends 
sitting with him, he in a very weighty manner 
adopted the language ; " I have fought a good 
fight, I have kept the faith ; henceforth there is 
laid up for me a crown of rejoicing.'' And at 



58 WILLIAM AND HANNAH JACKSON. 

another time said, " Death hath no sting, nor 
the grave any terror." 

His wife, during the greater part of the time 
of his dedine, enjoyed a state of comparative 
health, and administered to his wants, with her 
usual sympathetic attention ; but a few weeks 
before his decease, her health and strength 
wasted rapidly away ; and on the 25th of the 
Twelfth month, 1833, being then in the 85th 
year of her age, she quietly passed from works 
to rewards. When the moment of dissolution 
appeared to be at hand, William solemnly ob- 
served, " What a blessed thing it is to have 
faith in God and hope in the Lord Jesus Christ." 
Soon after she ceased to breathe, he desired 
those present to be still, and after a very solemn 
pause, he spoke, saying, " Peace to them that 
are afar off, and to them that are near. Peace 
to the Israel of God ; and peace to them that 
are born of the true seed of the kingdom, of 
the spirit and powder of Christ. This I believe 
she evidenced through life." 

After her death he appeared fully resigned to 
the separation, and on the 10th of First month, 
1834, was himself called, we humbly hope, to 
join the general assembly and church of the first 
born whose names are written in heaven. Thus 
it may be said of these valuable and closely 
united Friends, '^ they were lovely and pleasant 



JONATHAN EVANS. 59 

in their lives, and in their death they were not 
divided." They were buried, agreeably to their 
own desire, and as an example to others, in 
plain coffins without stain or polish. 



Testimony of the Monthly Meeting . of Friends 
of Philadelphia for the Southern District^ 
held Ninth month 25th^ 1839, concerning 
Jonathan Evans. 

From a sense of the benefit which accrues to 
posterity, especially the youth, in contemplat- 
ing the example, and following the footsteps 
of those servants of the Lord, who, by obedi- 
ence to the teachings, and submission to the 
humbling baptisms of the Holy Spirit, have been 
made useful members of the Church of Christ, 
and "who through faith and patience inherit the 
promises ;" we feel engaged to preserve a me- 
morial concerning our beloved friend Jonathan 
Evans. 

He was the son of Jonathan and Hannah 
Evans, members of our Society, and was born 
in Philadelphia, the 25th of the First month, 
1759 ; and was a member of this monthly 



60 JONATHAN EVANS. 

meeting from the time of its institution in 1772, 
until his death. His parents gave him a Uberal 
education, at the schools under the care of 
Friends in this city ; and possessing strong 
mental powers and quick perceptions, he made 
considerable proficiency in most of the branches 
of useful learning. He was placed apprentice 
at the carpenters' trade, and afterwards fol- 
lowed that business many years. Being but 
little restrained from a course of self gratifica- 
tion, during his apprenticeship he often spent 
his evenings with gay and volatile companions, 
giving himself up to mirth and conviviality; 
being much estranged from the cross of Christ, 
and from that description of Society which 
would have promoted a life of religion and self- 
denial. 

When nearly arrived at man's estate, he 
incidentally met with a copy of ^' Penn's No 
Cross no Crown," and the singularity of the 
title inducing him to open it, his attention was 
arrested by the words " the Light of Christ." 
He however closed the book as one not adapted 
to his taste and passed away ; but those words 
the " Light of Christ," made such an impres- 
sion that they frequently recurred to his 
mind, and in such a manner as to induce him 
to get the book for the purpose of further exa- 
mining it. He became deeply interested in 



JONATHAN EVANS. 61 

it, and through the Divine blessing it was made 
instrumental in leading him into serious reflec- 
tion on his past course of life, and bringing 
him under strong condemnation for the levity 
and follies of his youthful career. 

Having withdrawn from his former gay com- 
panions, by whom he was much missed, he was 
called on by one of them, who strongly solicit- 
ed him to return to their society ; and endeav- 
oured to persuade him that his determination 
was the result of a fit of melancholy which the 
cheerfulness of company w^ould soon dissipate. 
But he told his visiter that he was mistaken in 
the cause of his change ; and so opened to him 
the sinfulness of the course they had been pur- 
suing, as to produce convictions in his mind, 
which eventually wrought a similar change in 
his conduct. He became an eminent and belov- 
ed minister in the Society, and a close and inti- 
mate Christian friendship subsisted between 
them, until dissolved by death. 

It was a time of great civil commotion, when 
he was thus favoured with the visitations of 
Divine grace; and about this period, he was 
drafted as a soldier for the war of the revolu- 
tion. While many of the younger members of 
the Society were caught wiih the martial spirit 
of the day, he was constrained to maintain his 
testimony to the peaceable nature of the Mes- 

6 



62 JONATHAN EVANS. 

siah's reign ; in the support of which he suf- 
fered an imprisonment of sixteen weeks. 

Being now brought to submit to the humbling 
power of Truth, he was led to bear his cross 
before the world in plainness of dress, lan- 
guage and demeanour; and was concerned 
to watch closely over his words, that they might 
be few and savoury, seasoned with grace; and 
being thus livingly convinced of the Christian 
obligation of these and the other testimonies 
held by our religious Society, they became very 
precious to him ; and he was engaged to main- 
tain them through hfe with remarkable integ- 
rity and uprightness. He also felt restrained 
from indulging in luxurious living, and confined 
himself to the simplest fare. 

When not engaged at his trade, he spent his 
time in retirement, having then but few plain 
young friends with whom he could associate. 
Separated very much from the world, he was 
carried through those dispensations which his 
divine Lord and Master saw needful to reduce 
the pride and the strong will of man; and abiding 
under the refining power of the cross of Christ, 
he witnessed the sanctification of the spirit, and 
was instructed in the mysteries of salvation. 
Many were the baptisms he passed through, in 
which his faith and allegiance were closely 
proved; but as he endeavoured to abide 



JONATHAN EVANS. 



63 



patiently under the operations of the Divine 
hand, he was not only brought down into low 
places, but through the mercy and goodness of 
Him who is the resurrection and the life, and 
who was preparing him for an important station 
in his church, he w^as raised up again out of the 
pit and the miry clay, and his feet set upon the 
rock Christ Jesus, the foundation of many 
generations. It was in this school he learned 
to distinguish the voice of the true Shepherd 
from the voice of the stranger, and was pre- 
pared to understand the language of the Spirit 
unto the churches, and to wait patiently upon 
the Great Head from w hom he received the 
gift of a discerning spirit, and sound judgment 
in things pertaining to the ordering of the 
household of God. 

In his 24th year he w^as placed in the station 
of an overseer, and in his 36th year in that of 
an elder; in both of which he endeavoured to 
discharge his duty without respect of persons, 
and as one that must give an account. Al- 
though he was firm in the support of the disci- 
pline, and for that reason drew at times upon 
himself the reflections of the censorious, and of 
some who stood opposed to an upright and 
consistent w^alking, yet in dealing with offen- 
ders, he was clothed with the spirit of meek- 
ness, and earnestly sought their convincement 



64 JONATHAN EVANS. 

and restoration out of error. But when this 
could not be effected, love to the cause of Truth 
and to the health of the body, led him to mam- 
tain its testimony over transgressors. 

He was a practical believer in the necessity 
of Divine qualification, renewed from season 
to season, for transacting the affairs of the So- 
ciety ; and in meetings for discipline, and on 
committees, or when otherwise engaged in the 
service of Truth, he was weighty and delibera- 
tive, seeking for, and relying upon its openings, 
as the ground of right judgment in the church. 

In the year 1786, he was married to Hannah, 
daughter of our friends David and Mary Bacon 
of this city ; who was a true help-meet to him 
both in spiritual and temporal concerns. They 
were engaged to set an example of moderation 
and plainness in the furniture of their house, 
and in their manner of living, as well as in the 
education of their children ; testimonies into 
which they felt the Truth to lead them. Hav- 
ing scruples respecting the propriety of doing 
the ornamental work that was put on buildings, 
and persons generally declining to meet his 
scruples by giving him such parts as he was 
easy to do, he was, many times, under great 
difficulty in relation to the means of living, par- 
ticularly when there was little building of any 
kind to be done. Deeply impressed with the 



JONATHAN EVANS. 65 

conviction, that true religion leads into strict 
justice, the fear of bringing reproach upon his 
profession by inabihty to meet his engagements, 
and to provide things honest in the sight of all 
men, introduced him into straits in which his 
faith was greatly proved, and he found it ne- 
cessary to make little answer in providing for 
the wants of a family. But being favoured to 
maintain his integrity, he neither relaxed in his 
religious nor domestic duties, and having first 
sought the kingdom of God and the righteous- 
ness thereof, all things necessary were added. 
He bore a decided testimony against covetous- 
ness and the acquisition of great wealth, as 
being incompatible with the needs and duties 
of a self-denying follower of the Son of God. 

In the education of children, though a friend 
and promoter of literature, he was more con- 
cerned for the useful and substantial parts of 
learning ; and in the ordering of his family, he 
was remarkably watchful over his own example, 
that it might in no respect make impressions at 
variance with the principles and precepts of 
that pure and undefiled religion, in which he 
most surely believed. He was a reverent and 
diligent reader of the holy Scriptures, and w^ell 
versed in the history and mysteries which they 
contain ; but while he often read, and had them 
read in his family, it was his care to inculcate in 

6* 



66 JONATHAN EVANS. 

his children, a belief in the omnipresence of their 
Heavenly Father; that he was constantly watch- 
ing over them, reproving them for evil by his 
holy Spirit, and giving peace for doing right ; 
and that it was only by taking heed to the intima- 
tions of this same spirit, which led the holy men 
and women, of whom the Scriptures speak, that 
they could walk in their footsteps. In the dis- 
charge of his parental duties, he manifested a 
fervent concern for their everlasting welfare, 
endeavouring to restrain them from evil com- 
pany, and to lead them into a love of the Truth 
as it is in Jesus, both by precept and example. 
He rarely conversed before them on the subject 
of trade, and the accumulation of property, but 
took occasion to express the sentiment, that he 
would prefer being without any, than that their 
minds should be set on earthly treasure, instead 
of the love of their heavenly Father. 

As an elder, he was endued with discernment 
and sound judgment, in relation to the ministry; 
and rejoiced when he was sensible that it pro- 
ceeded from the openings of the Divine gift. He 
entered into deep feeling and travail of spirit with 
the sincere and honest-hearted labourers, en- 
deavouring to bear up, and strengthen their 
hands in the arduous work, and would speak a 
word in season, when discouragement or dis- 
may assailed them. He was careful, that time 



JONATHAN EVANS. 67 

should be allowed for those who apprehended 
it to be their place to come forward in this 
capacity, to give proof of their ministry ; and 
towards such he acted with prudence, that where 
a gift was dispensed it might be properly cher- 
ished. When it was evident that any had mis- 
taken their place in the body, or that others who 
had once received a gift were fallen from it, 
after proper care was extended, he was firm 
with such, in order to preserve the Society from 
the desolating effects of a spurious ministry. 

Several years before the separation of 1827, 
he saw with sorrow the inroads, which this kind 
of ministry was making upon the Society, and 
contemplated with deep regret, the disorgani- 
zation which it v/as insidiously introducing 
amongst a people, who had hitherto stood a 
united body, and whose principles, and order, 
had commanded respect from its members. His 
love to his own Society, its faith, and its disci- 
pline, was strong, and the prospect of its repu- 
tation, and the cause which it espoused being 
shaded by the spirit of infidelity and insubor- 
dination, brought him often under deep reli- 
gious exercise. As a faithful watchman on the 
walls ofZion, he gave w^arning of the approach- 
ing danger; and took an early opportunity with 
the principal leader in the defection, and pointed 
out to him the wrong spirit, by which he was 



68 JONATHAN EVANS. 

influenced; the unsoundness of his ministry, 
and its tendency to sow disaffection, particu- 
larly in the minds of i he young people. 

In all the trials of that period of conflict, he 
never flinched from the scorn and suflfering, 
which were abundantly cast upon him ; but 
boldly maintained the testimony of Truth, both 
in our meetings for disciphne and for Divine 
worship; sometimes openly rebuking those 
ranting spirits, and at other times labouring with 
them in private, to convince them of their error. 

Endeavours had been used by the elders of 
this city, to treat with Elias Hicks, and he 
had refused to regard their judgment in his 
case. In 1826, he came to our meeting on a 
First-day morning, where was collected a great 
crowd of persons not belonging to the Society. 
To this company he delivered sentiments, deny- 
ing the divinity of our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
Christ, and his oflfering, as the propitiation for 
the sins of the whole world ; with many other 
unsound opinions, much to the grief of those 
who fully believed the doctrines of the Gospel. 
At the close of his communication, Jonathan 
Evans rose, and to defend the truth, and clear 
the Society of all responsibility for those anti- 
christian sentiments, said ; " I believe it to be my 
duty to say, that our religious Society has al- 
ways believed in the atonement, the mediation 



JONATHAN EVANS. 69 

and the intercession of our Lord and Saviour 
Jesus Christ ; that by Him were all things cre- 
ated that are in heaven and that are in earthy 
visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or 
dominions, principalities or powers ; all things 
were created by Him and for Him, and He is 
before all things, and by Him all things consist. 
Any doctrines which go to invaUdate these fun- 
damental doctrines of the Christian religion, 
we cannot own, nor have any unity with. 
Great efforts are now making to bring the peo- 
ple to beheve, that our Lord Jesus Christ was 
no more than a man ; this is not our belief, nor 
can we admit it. Our Society never held any 
such opinion, nor do we hold ourselves account- 
able for the sentiments of those who hold such 
doctrines ; for He is King of kings and Lord of 
lords ; He is judge of quick and dead, and 
before His judgment seat every soul shall be 
arraigned. Our Society has always held and 
believed these doctrines ; and we cannot have 
unity with those who are endeavouring to make 
Him a mere man. I think it right for me to 
mention this, in order that the people may not 
suppose we hold or approve such sentiments." 
He retired from business many years before 
his death, having a competency to enable him 
to live, in a plain^ comfortable manner. In the 
year 1829, he was deprived by death of his 



70 JONATHAN EVANS, 

beloved companion, — a bereavement which 
deeply afflicted him ; but believing her removal 
was in the ordering of Divine mercy and wis- 
dom, he bowed in humble quiet submission to 
the Lord's will. The remainder of his days, 
he passed as one waiting for the approach of 
the solemn messenger, being much redeemed 
from the world and all its cares and pursuits. 

Having accustomed himself through life to 
frequent retirement and meditation, he possess- 
ed an unfailing source of consolation and sup- 
port in his daily reverent approaches before 
Him, who had been his morning light, his sun 
and shield in the strength of his days, and 
through dedication to whom, he was now estab- 
lished as a father and pillar in the church of 
Christ. He was favoured with the preserva- 
tion of his faculties, and though not frequent in 
his remarks in our meetings for discipline, yet 
their clearness and correctness, proceeding 
from a mind long experienced in waiting for the 
motions of Truth, rendered his counsel and 
judgment pecu iarly acceptable and valuable to 
his Friends, in their deliberations on the con- 
cerns of the church. To his younger brethren, 
his example, and the gravity of his demeanour, 
were instructive, and they entertained for him 
strong feelings of deference and respect. 

In ihe last tw^o years of bis hfe, he was sub- 



JONATHAN EVANS. 71 

ject to frequent returns of disease, which gra- 
dually undermined his strength and which at 
an advanced stage of hfe, admonished him of 
its approaching close ; but in the severest of 
those attacks, until the last one, he expressed 
the belief that he should recover. He was 
taken with a heavy chill on Fourth-day, the 
30th of the First month, which prostrated 
him, so that he was out of his bed but little 
afterwards. The remedies used to arrest the 
disease, it was hoped would, as heretofore, 
prove availing, but on First-day morning he 
appeared to be sinking, when it was proposed 
to him to have further medical aid ; but he 
declined, observing, that at his time of life it 
was not probable that he could continue long 
here ; and he was entirely satisfied with what 
was done for him. Being told in the afternoon 
that a number of Friends had called to inquire 
after him, he said, " unless something extraor- 
dinary occurs, it is not probable that I shall 
get down stairs again." It was remarked that 
it was a trial to have those removed who have 
long stood for the defence of the Truth. He 
replied, " I have felt a great deal on that ac- 
count — a great deal. I am satisfied that there 
is a spirit at work, which would lay waste the 
ancient profession and doctrines of our religious 
Society, and draw Friends away from the spi- 



72 JONATHAN EVANS. 

rituality of that which they have once known ; 
and many are catched with it." 

On Second-day morning, he appeared com- 
fortable, and it being the time of our Quarterly 
meeting, he expressed the wish that his chil- 
dren who belonged to it, might attend, one of 
them from the country being sufficient to re- 
main with him ; and in the afternoon he made 
inquiry respecting some Friends, and how the 
meeting got on with its business. 

The state of his stomach precluded the use of 
much nourishment, and from the nature of the 
disease he continued to weaken, though he suf- 
fered but little acute pain. His mind appeared 
to be abstracted from worldly objects, and fixed 
upon the immutable foundation Christ Jesus 
the hope of the saint's glory. Sensible of the 
trial it must be to those over whom he had 
long watched as a deeply concerned parent, to 
see him thus rapidly declining, he readily sub- 
mitted to every effort made to relieve him ; and 
with great calmness and patience endured the 
wasting effects of the disease. 

One morning being asked by the physician 
how he was, he replied, " very quiet, very quiet, 
but very weak :'' and to one of his children 
who remarked to him that he appeared to be 
going to his heavenly rest, he mildy answered, 
" Yes." Throughout the whole course of his 



JONATHAN EVANS. 73 

sickness, though his understanding was pre- 
served clear, he conversed but Httle; that deep 
introversion of mind to which he had long 
accustomed himself, continued to the dose, 
and from the peaceful serenity which was felt 
around his bed, and the holy composure with 
which he met death, we doubt not that he is 
gathered to the generations of the just, who 
have gone before, and has been made a par- 
taker of the crown of righteousness laid up for 
all them, who through the mercy of God in 
Christ Jesus our Lord, and the power of the 
Holy Spirit, have fought the good fight, kept 
the faith, and finished their course with joy. He 
departed on the morning of the 8th of the 
Second month, 1839, in the 81st year of his 
age. 

In contemplating the peaceful close of the 
long and useful life of this our dear Friend, 
the loss which the church has sustained in his 
removal, and the great need there is for more 
such faithful labourers among us ; we earnestly 
desire that our beloved youth may be induced 
to come unto Christ, and take His holy yoke 
and cross upon them, that thus learning of Him, 
who is meek and lowly in heart, they may 
become so disciplined and instructed in his 
school, as to be prepared to take the places of 
judgea and counsellors in the church. 

7 



74 JANE BETTLE. 



Memorial of the Monthly Meeting of Friends 
of Philadelphia^ held Third month 25/A, 
1841, concerning our deceased friend Jane 
Bettle. 

Amidst the various conflicts which attend 
the Christian Hfe, those who are humbly endea- 
vouring to walk in the path cast up for the 
redeemed of the Lord, are, at times encouraged 
to press toward the mark for the prize of their 
high calling, by contemplating the example of 
those faithful servants who, through the mercy 
of God, in Christ Jesus, have been strengthened 
to hold out to the end, and having finished their 
course with joy, have entered into the rest 
prepared for the people of God. In the belief 
that it may thus prove edifying and instructive 
to survivors, we are engaged to preserve a 
memorial concerning our late beloved friend 
Jane Bettle, a member and elder of this meet- 
ing. 

She was the daughter of Thomas and Jane 
Temple, of Kennet, in Chester county, Penn- 
sylvania; of whose watchful and pious care in 
instructing her in the Christian doctrines and 
testimonies professed by our religious Society, 
she often spoke in after life, with Hvely recol- 
lection and grateful acknowledgment. In her 



JANE BETTLE. 



75 



very young years, she was favoured with the 
tendering visitations of the love of God to her 
soul, and being strengthened, in good degree, 
to yield obedience thereto, she was induced to 
turn away from the vanities and follies incident 
to the period of youth, and experienced the 
truth of the Scripture testimony, " The fear of 
the Lord is a fountain of life, preserving from 
the snares of death." In commemorating the 
goodness and mercy of Israel's Shepherd, who 
thus watched over her, she remarks : " The 
Lord graciously condescended to call me at so 
early a period in life, that like Samuel of old, I 
scarcely knew who it was that called me. But 
in his adorable mercy, he continued his calls, 
until he made me to understand his voice; bade 
me beware of the voice of strangers, and 
strengthened me, from season to season, to fol- 
low him; by which I was prevented from falhng 
into many youthful temptations." 

One of the early fruits of this surrender of 
her will to the guidance of the Spirit of Truth, 
was a scrupulous regard to the wishes of her 
piously concerned parents, and a ready com- 
pliance with their commands ; the recollection 
of which, during her last illness, appears to 
have afforded her solid satisfaction. To this 
subject she thus alludes; "I have often felt 
thankful for the instructions received from my 



76 JANE BETTLEi 

dear parents in early life, I believe I may say 
without boasting, that by the help of my hea- 
venly Father, their counsel was, in a good de- 
gree, kept to, I did not feel myself at liberty 
to put on apparel, or to make choice of asso- 
ciates, without their entire approbation ; and I 
had sometimes to say to my young friends, that 
in so doing, they also would find safety and 
peace. As I advanced in years, the obligation 
to consult them in all my pursuits, seemed as 
imperative as ever, being careful not to make 
up my own mind until I had heard theirs; which 
I believe, was a means of preserving me from 
many follies, and affords me consolation to the 
present day." 

Her natural disposition was mild, affectionate 
and equable, and being sanctified by Divine 
grace, it greatly endeared her to her friends 
and neighbours, amongst whom, under the 
influence of Christian love, she was much 
devoted in administering to the wants, and alle- 
viating the sufferings, of the sick and the afflict- 
ed. Continuing in a humble, watchful frame of 
mind, under the preparing hand of the Lord, as 
she advanced in years, she grew in religious 
experience, and became increasingly concerned 
for the support of the cause of Truth; and 
being exemplary and consistent in her appear- 
ance and demeanor,^ she w as early brought into 



JANE BETTLE. 77 

usefulness in her monthly and quarterly m'eet- 
ings. 

In the year 1802, she was married to our 
friend Samuel Bettle, and settled within the 
limits of this monthly meeting. la her family 
she was an example of meekness and circum- 
spection; diligent in the aitendance of our reli- 
gious meetings ; careful to maintain our testi- 
mony to Christian simplicity, and to endeavour 
to train up her children in the nurture and 
admonition of thie Lord. Being thus religiously 
engaged to fulfil her various social and relative 
duties, and patiently enduring those baptisms 
which are necessary to qualify for service in 
the church, she was united with the living 
members in labouring for the promotion of the 
cause of truth and righteousness, and gradually 
prepared and strengthened to stand as a bur- 
den-bearer in the Lord's house. 

Being appointed to the station of an over- 
seer, her mind was deeply impressed with a 
sense of the responsibility of the service, and 
she was engaged to wait for Divine ability, in 
her endeavours to discharge this important 
trust. She was often engaged to admonish, or 
caution such as she thought in danger of being 
drawn aside; which being done in an affec- 
tionate manner, found its way to the heart, and 
made an impression that was not soon effaced. 

7* 



78 JANE BETTLE. 

As -an elder, to which station she was subse- 
quently appointed, it was her concern to be 
preserved in a lively sense of the nature of the 
calling, and by a stedfast reliance upon Him 
from whom the gift comes, to receive a qualifi- 
cation to occupy it to his honour, and the edi- 
fication of the body.. 

To the humble, diffident traveller, she was 
frequently engaged to extend a word of en- 
couragement, whilst those who evinced a for- 
ward and unsanctified spirit, were tenderly, yet 
plainly, admonished by her. Much of her time 
and strength were devoted to the services of 
our Society, being cheerfully given up thereto. 
On one occasion she was absent from home a 
year^ accompanying a minister from abroad in 
a rehgious visit to some parts of this continent, 
and although, during this arduous service she 
underwent many baptisms and trials, yet the 
retrospect of it aflforded her the reward of sweet 
peace. 

During the close trials which overtook our 
religious Society in the departure of many of 
the members from its Christian doctrines, and 
their consequent secession, she stood firm to 
the ancient principles of Truth, and patiently 
bore her part in the burden and reproaches of 
the day. Being grounded, by heartfelt convic- 
tion, in a belief of the authenticity and Divine 



JANE BETTLE. 79 

authority of the Holy Scriptures, the divinity of 
the Lord Jesus, and the efficacy of his propiti- 
atory offering for the sins of the world, she was 
unwavering in her acknowledgment of these 
fundamental truths, and in her attachment to 
our Christian discipline and testimonies ; and 
without shrinking from the painful duty, she 
laboured in meekness and firmness, with those 
who endeavoured to invalidate these sacred 
truths, and to lay waste the order of the church. 
In the year 1832, whilst travelling as one of 
a committee appointed by the Yearly Meeting, 
to visit its subordinate branches, she perceived 
symptoms of the painful disorder which soon 
after so increased as to confine her to the house 
for the remainder of her days. During this 
protracted sickness of seven years, there were 
times when her bodily sufferings were great, 
but through the power of Divine grace, she was 
preserved in patience and resignation to the 
Lord's will. She never murmured nor repined 
at pain or privations, but in humble reliance 
upon the sustaining arm of her merciful Re- 
deemer, was enabled calmly to commit herself 
to the ordering of divine Providence, and to 
maintain her wonted cheerfulness and equa- 
nimity. In moments of deep bodily affliction, 
her mind was often drawn reverently to com- 
niemorate the sufferings of the dear Son of 



80 JANE BETTLE. 

God, on behalf of a guilty world ; and on one 
occasion, she expressed herself thus ; " When 
1 consider the blameless Lamb of God, who 
bore our sins in his own body on the tree, my 
own light afflictions seem not worthy to be 
spoken of." 

Although deprived of the opportunity of as- 
sembling with her Friends in religious meetings, 
she was frequently engaged in humbly waiting 
upon the Lord for the renewal of her strength; 
and the daily clothing of her spirit seemed to 
be that of watchfulness and prayer for her own 
advancement in holiness, and for the prosperity 
of the cause of Truth. In some memorandums 
found since her decease, the following remarks 
occur: "Weakness of body and mind prevails, 
yet I may, with a degree of thankfulness, ac- 
knowledge, that while the family are gone to 
the place appointed for public worship, I have 
in my private chamber, witnessed sweet com- 
munion of spirit with Him who is omnipresent; 
who condescends to our weakness, and strength- 
ens us to look towards His holy hill. Through 
this merciful helper of his poor frail creatures, 
we are permitted to behold with the spiritual 
eye, Jerusalem, a quiet habitation, and a place 
of safety, amidst much disquietude which pre- 
vails in the world." In another place, advert- 
ing to the convening of one of our meetings for 



JANE BETTLE. 81 

discipline, she remarks : " May the Great Head 
of the church be in the midst of those assem- 
bled; and may they be careful to ask counsel of 
Him, not leaning to their own understandings. 
Great danger attends, when man, in his own 
wisdom, attempts to meddle in church govern- 
ment ; it makes sad work for the true burden- 
bearers, who are labouring for the prosperity of 
Zion, and the enlargement of her borders." 

On another occasion she observes; "Not- 
withstanding I have long been deprived of 
assembling with my Friends in social worship, 
I may say of a truth, I am often brought into 
feeling with them ; particularly with the Lord's 
anointed ministers." " When the ministers of 
the Gospel of Christ wait in their gifts for the 
immediate influences of his Spirit, the word will 
not return void, whether it be in few expres- 
sions, or greater enlargement, so that all is 
kept in the pure gift. Under this influence, the 
holy unction will be felt by the living members, 
and be made instrumental in awakening those 
who are dead in trespasses and sins ; and with- 
out it, whatever is spoken, whether less or more, 
will be superficial ; burdensome to the living 
members, and a hurt to the assembly." "I 
have fellowship also with the Lord's anointed 
elders, who, as they keep in their gifts, are made 
to feel deeply together, and to drink together 



82 JANE BETTLB* 

as of the same cup. That the precious cement 
which accompanies right exercise, may increase 
in all our rehgious assembhes, is the fervent 
breathing of my spirit." 

She had long felt a deep and affectionate 
interest in the welfare of the youth, and by 
her kind counsel and affable demeanor, had 
gained considerable place in their minds ; and 
during her confinement, her religious concern 
for their best welfare, appears to have remained 
unabated. In one of her memorandums she 
observes : " O, saith my spirit, that the chil- 
dren of believing parents, who have had much 
religious instruction, and have often witnessed 
the tears of anxious solicitude to flow on their 
behalf, would be persuaded to forsake youthful 
vanities, and come and taste of the sweet fruits 
of obedience ; which some have been partakers 
of, even to the latest period of life." 

The state of her mind during her sickness is 
indicated by the following brief extracts from 
her memorandums. "O, thou inexhaustible 
Source and Fountain of all good, keep me, I 
pray thee, in a state of daily watchfulness, so 
that I may be enabled to follow thee in the 
regeneration ; for without this, dearest Lord, I 
am made sensible that all pretensions to disci- 
pleship will do nothing for me, in the day of 
awful decision." Again : " Humbled under q. 



JANE BETTLE. 



83 



sense of my entire inability even to think a good 
thought, unaided by Thee, thou fountain of all 
good, be pleased, in thy matchless mercy, to 
keep me watchful, that I enter not into tempta- 
tion." On another occasion ; " Favoured this 
evening with solemn quiet, in which the spirit 
of supplication was, I think, livingly felt, with 
thanksgiving for past and present favours; 
earnestly craving that every succeeding day of 
my life may be spent in watchfulness, and fear 
of offending my blessed Saviour and interces- 
sor, in thought, word or deed." At another 
time she says; " A song in the night, through 
Divine mercy, is felt to arise to Him, who of 
old had power to make the dumb sing, the deaf 
to hear, the blind to see, and the lame to walk. 
Miraculous power ! which extends to both body 
and mind ; revives the spirits of the weak and 
faint, enabling them to press forward, through 
every crowd of opposition." Again, in speak- 
ing of the Christian's voyage through life, she 
says ; " We may very possibly persuade our- 
selves that we are secure, supposing the haven 
is nearly attained; but alas! for that indivi- 
dual who relaxes in labour, until safely landed 
on the shores of everlasting rest." On another 
occasion : " Thankful, I trust, for the crumb of 
Heavenly bread received. I feel as though I 
knew not how to number, as I ought, all my 



84 JANE BETTLE. 

blessings, spiritual and temporaL Dearest 
Lord! be pleased to strengthen me day by 
day, to draw nearer and nearer to thee," 
Shortly before her decease she writes : " May I 
be strengthened diligently to labour, pressing 
toward the mark for the prize of the high call- 
ing of God in Christ Jesus our Lord, that at the 
end of the race, I may be permitted to enter his 
kingdom, ' where the wicked cease from trou- 
bhng, and the weary are at rest.' " 

For some weeks previous to her close, 
though there was no very striking change in 
her disorder, her mind was impressed with a 
behef that the event was at hand, and though 
the intimation produced much solemnity of 
feeling, she was favoured to receive it with 
composure, and to contemplate her change with 
joy, in the well-grounded hope of a blessed and 
glorious immortality. On the 28th of the Third 
month, 1340, she observed; "I have very 
many outward blessings ; much to love and en- 
joy ; but my concern is so to live and watch, 
that when summoned to leave them, I may ren- 
der my account with joy, and not with grief. 
In order to obtain this state, we must expe- 
rience many deep baptisms, and much of the 
searching and purifying operation must be sub- 
mitted to. I think I may say that in my lowest 
moments, when the billows have seemed to rise, 



JANE BETTLE. 85 

and the storm to beat, I have never entirely- 
lost my hold upon the anchor, the hope in 
Jesus, finding it, even in such seasons, sure and 
stedfast." On another occasion she remarked, 
" When we consider the greatness of Him, 
without whom not a sparrow falls, what cause 
for thankfulness have we for his care over us, 
unworthy as we are." 

On the 4th of the Fourth month, she said, 
" I have for some time felt as if the period of 
my continuing here was drawing to a close ; 
and this feeling increases. I have been endea- 
vouring to give up all, and lay every thing at 
the feet of my blessed Saviour ; and poor as I 
am, and at times low in faith and patience, 1 
have never had my trust and confidence in him 
removed." And after a solemn pause she 
added; "He will be with me, I feel assured, 
through the valley and shadow of death." Thus 
as a faithful servant, looking for the coming of 
her Lord, she calmly awaited the summons of 
the solemn messenger; and as her bodily weak- 
ness and her sufferings increased, she was ena- 
bled, through the Lord's sustaining power, to 
evince that there is a blessed reality in the 
Christian faith. 

On the evening of the 12th, her mind being 
very tranquil and collected, and her faculties 
clear, it was remarked to her as a favour ; to 

8 



m 



JANE BETTLE* 



which she repHed, " I esteem it a very great 
favour indeed ;" adding, " I have loved the 
Lord Jesus from an early period of my life to 
the present day ; and he has not forsaken me. 
Notwithstanding my short-comings, I have hope 
in Him ; but it is not by any acts of righteous- 
ness that we have done, but of his mercy he 
saveth us/' 

As the last conflict of nature approached, 
her pain and bodily distress increased, but she 
was mercifully borne above it, and with a plea- 
sant countenance observed, " These light afflic- 
tions are but for a moment;" — which were her 
last words. She was soon permitted, as we 
believe, to receive that far more exceeding and 
eternal weight of glory, which they work for 
the righteous; gently passing away, without 
any struggle, on the morning of the 13th of the 
Fourth month, 1840, in the 67th year of her 
age ; leaving the consoling assurance, that, 
through the mercy of God in Christ Jesus, she 
has joined " the general assembly and Church 
of the firstborn, which are written in Heaven.'- 

May her watchfulness and circumspection, 
and the peaceful termination of her exemplary 
life, be the means of inducing others, and espe- 
cially our beloved young friends, to embrace 
the visitations of Heavenly love, and to submit 
to the refining baptisms of the Holy Spirit ; that 
thus a succession of faithful labourers may be 



JOSIAH AND ELIZABETH REEVE. 87 

raised up, who, dedicating themselves to the 
Lord and his cause, may be quaUfied and 
strengthened to " serve their generation accord- 
ing to the will of God ;" so that they also may 
at last receive " the end of their faith, even the 
salvation of their souls." 



Testimony of Upper Evesham Monthly Meetings 
New Jersey^ held Third month I2thj 1842, co/i- 
cerning our deceased friends Josiah and 
Elizabeth Reeve. 

Josiah Reeve was the son of Mark and Han- 
nah Reeve of Cumberland county. New Jersey, 
and was born the 23d of the Ninth month, 1762. 

Through the power of Divine grace, and the 
watchful care of religiously concerned parents, 
our beloved friend was brought early in life to 
yield to the restraints of the cross of Christ, by 
which he was prepared for usefulness in the 
church, and became an example of uprightness 
and dedication, in the support of the discipline, 
and of our religious testimonies. 

He was remarkable for his diligence in at- 
tending all our religious meetings, and encour- 
aging others in this important duty ; not permit- 
ting his business, nor the inclemency of the 



88 JOSIAH AND ELIZABETH REEYE. 

weather to deter him from it ; and we beheve it 
was the travail of his spirit, that the power of 
Truth might be witnessed to rise into dominion 
on these occasions, and his rejoicing to feel it to 
be so. He was a persevering labourer with 
those who had missed their way, endeavouring 
by persuasive means to convince and reclaim 
them ; being unwilling to give them up, until all 
proper efforts had been used for their restora- 
tion. His charitable sentiments led him to 
cherish the good in all ; yet in the administra- 
tion of the discipline, he stood firm for the 
Truth and its testimony. His love for the 
cause of Christ and for his own religious Soci- 
ety, led him to seek the welfare of the younger 
members, encouraging them to yield to the 
convictions of the Spirit of Truth, that the)r 
might come up in the places designed for them 
in the militant church. As an overseer, he was 
faithful in reproof and warning, as well as ready 
to hold out a hand of help to those \^ho he 
feared were falling short in the performance of 
their religious duties. 

To the poor, and those in difficult circum- 
stances, he was a kind and liberal benefactor, 
and in various ways contributed to their aid 
and comfort. In the early part of his life, when 
few, comparatively, stood forward as advocates 
of the rights of the coloured man, he was prompt 
and exertive in rendering him assistance to 



JOSIAH AND ELIZABETH REEVE. 89 

obtain his liberty, when illegal measures were 
pursued by the slave dealer to reduce him to 
bondage ; spending time and means in defend- 
ing the oppressed. 

He was prudent and consistent in the man- 
agement of his temporal affairs, being careful 
not to extend his business beyond his means ; 
and to keep to punctuality and justice, in the 
discharge of his engagements. 

It was after the decease of his first wife, who 
was the daughter of John and Mary Newbold, 
that he removed and became a member of this 
monthly meeting ; and in the fall of 1802, he was 
married to Elizabeth, daughter of William and 
EUzabeth Richardson. In the furniture of his 
house and his mode of living, he maintained the 
simplicity of our profession, bringing up his 
children conformably therewith ; and governing 
his household with a view to their instruction 
in piety, and preservation from the corruptions 
of the world. As he advanced in religious ex- 
perience, he was placed in the station of an 
elder ; the duties of which he endeavoured to 
discharge faithfully, both by private caution, 
and also speaking a word in season, to them 
that are weary. He was engaged at different 
times in travelling with ministers, to whom he 
proved himself a sympathising companion ; and 

it was his concern that the ministry might be in 

8* 



90 JOSIAH AND ELIZABETH REEVE. 

the life and authority of Truth ; and that the 
hands of those engaged in this weighty work, 
might be rightly supported, and the young and 
inexperienced brought forward in their gifts, to 
the edification of the church. 

Being a full believer in the soundness of our 
religious principles, he was decided against all 
innovations upon them ; and when a part of the 
Society seceded on account of a difference in 
doctrine, he stood firm in defence of the faith of 
the gospel ; and bore his share of the trials 
brought upon us, in supporting our testimonies, 
and maintaining the rights of Friends. 

For many years he was afflicted with asthma 
and consumption, from which he suffered much, 
particularly the last two years of his life ; not- 
withstanding which he made great efforts to 
attend our meetings, when his strength was 
much reduced and respiration laborious. To 
many v>ho regarded him as a father in the 
Truth, his company and solid, cheerful example, 
under much debility, were animating, and his 
removal has been felt as a great loss amongst 
us. He had apprehended for some time that 
his dissolution would be sudden, of which he 
gave intimations to som.e of his friends. A few 
days before the event, being about as well as 
usual, he remarked, that " his day's work was 
done ; he was quietly waiting." And at the 
solemn close, his mind was preserved in calm- 



JOSIAH AND ELIZABETH REEVE. 91 

ness, trusting in the mercy and goodness of 
God, extended to man through our Lord Jesus 
Christ, which he frequently referred to, as the 
only hope of his acceptance. He retired to his 
bed at the usual hour, and in the morning found 
himself more unwell, so as not to be able to 
rise ; and his wife and children being present, 
in the prospect that the awful period had 
nearly arrived, when he must be removed from 
w^orks to rewards, he said, that he had nothing 
to plume himself with, but he saw nothing in 
his way, — that he felt peaceful; and taking 
leave of his family, expired without a struggle, 
on the tenth day of the Eleventh month, 1840, 
in the 79th year of his age. 

Elizabeth Reeve was the daughter of Wil- 
liam and Elizabeth Richardson of Bucks county, 
Pennsylvania, and was born the 31st of the 
First month, 1770. 

Being naturally of a lively disposition, she 
was an agreeable and interesting companion to 
her associates, but though fond of indulgence 
in dress, and the enjoyments usually attractive 
to the youthful mind, she was very early in life 
favoured with serious impressions, which 
checked her in the pursuit of gratifications 
incompatible with the cross of Christ* When 
nearly twenty-two years of age, she was 
brought under renewed convictions at the time 



92 JOSIAH AND ELIZABETH REEVE. 

of the death of two of her sisters, which occurred 
within about a week. Two years afterwards, 
her mother being taken extremely ill, she cove- 
nanted with her heavenly Father, that she 
would freely submit to his Divine requisitions, 
whatever they might be; and was soon brought 
to evince her fidelity, by making a change in 
her dress, greatly in the cross to her natural 
inclination. From this period, she continued 
stedfast in her allegiance to her Lord and Mas- 
ter ; and through submission to the baptism of 
His Holy Spirit, she experienced the old man 
with his deeds to be put off, and the new man, 
which after God is created in righteousness and 
true hohness to be put on. Thus being baptised 
into Christ, she was made a living member of 
his church, and an example of circumspect 
walking ; and about the 30th year of her age, 
was appointed an elder. 

In her thirty-third year, she was united in 
marriage to our friend Josiah Reeve, and be- 
came a member of this meeting. Possessing a 
discriminating mind, regulated by the power of 
Divine Grace, she was qualified for the exer- 
cise of the discipline. Being also gifted for 
the station of an elder, to which she was ap- 
pointed by this meeting, her reliance for sound 
judgment was placed upon the sense which 
Truth gives. She entered feelingly into the 
trials which attend those engaged in the work 



JOSIAH AND ELIZABETH REEVE. 93 

of the ministry, travailing in spirit with them ; 
and was a true helper both at her own meeting, 
and when abroad as a companion with minis- 
ters in their rehgious visits to others. Hav- 
ing her dependance placed upon her divine 
Master, she gave proof of the spirit of discern- 
ment which he bestows, and was thereby qual- 
ified to distinguish between that which comes 
from the living Spring, and the workings of the 
natural mind, which minister death and not 
hfe. 

She fulfilled the duties of a wife and parent 
with exemplary propriety, uniting with her hus- 
band in the support of our Christian testimo- 
nies in bringing up their family; and as a 
watchwoman in the church, she was tenderly 
concerned for the growth of the children in the 
Truth, endeavouring to guard the flock against 
the inroads of error ; and though firm, she was 
mild and aflfectionate, and sought to draw her 
young friends into the love of true i^eligion, 
many of whom loved her as a mother in Israel ; 
and as a friend to the poor and afflicted, she 
will be long remembered by many. 

She had been labouring under disease seve- 
ral months previous to the death of her hus- 
band ; and after his funeral, on taking leave of 
some of her friends, she expressed to several of 
them, that their parting would be final here ; 
which was soon verified. In about six weeks 



94 JOSIAH AND ELIZABETH REEVE. 

she was taken increasingly ill; but with much 
composure and sweetness, she communicated 
pertinent advice to those around her, particu- 
larly to her children, saying it had ever been 
her desire for them, that they might have a 
possession in the Truth ; she thought she might 
say " a thousand fold before any earthly posses- 
sion." She remarked " that nothing else would 
do, but the surrender of the whole heart; de- 
voting themselves to the Lord ; giving up 
entirely to his service, and making no reserve; 
that it might not be said ' what meaneth the 
lowing of the oxen, and the bleating of the sheep 
that I hear in my ear.' Every high and lofty 
imagination must be brought down, and self 
prostrated in the dust, lying low at the feet of 
Jesus." Respecting herself she said, " that 
she might have kept nearer to the pointings of 
the Holy Spirit than she had done, yet believed 
from early life she had loved the Truth and 
endeavoured to follow it ; desiring the prosperity 
of Zion more than any thing else, and prefer- 
ing Jerusalem above her chief joy." " She did 
not know of any wilful disobedience to charge 
herself with ; though she was a poor creature, 
having nothing pertaining to herself to depend 
upon ;" saying, '' all her own righteousness felt 
to her but as the dust of the balance." She 
ascribed it all to Divine mercy that she was 
accepted; adding, "1 feel no condemnation ; 



JOSIAH AND ELIZABETH REEVE. 95 

nothing oppresses my mind*'' "I believe I 
have not followed cunningly devised fables ; and 
have faith to believe that I shall be received 
into the everlasting arms." At this time she 
said, she felt no doubt of it; and several months 
before, after a time of great exercise of mind, it 
appeared to her, that there was " a seat prepar- 
ing for her in heaven." Her sufferings were 
great, but she expressed that she felt that sup- 
port, which she believed would carry her 
through, for the sting of death was taken away. 
At another time she remarked, that she had 
thought much of this meeting, and desired the 
love of the world might not take the place of 
better things in the hearts of any — that baptism 
was needful to qualify for usefulness in the 
church, in order that the places left vacant 
might be filled — that the same Divine power 
which had raised up instruments for the Lord's 
work, was still able to raise up others ; and she 
believed the cause of Truth would not be suf- 
fered to fall to the ground. She continued to 
express much deeply interesting matter during 
the intervals of ease ; and in the extremity of 
pain, her ejaculation was, "Oh, heavenly Fa- 
ther, be pleased to take me to thyself, but thy 
will be done." After taking an affectionate 
leave of her tenderly beloved family and friends, 
who surrounded her dying bed, the disease 
induced a state of dehrium ; but notwithstand- 



96 JOSIAH AND ELIZABETH REEVE. 

ing her mind was thus clouded about thirty-six 
hours, its tendency heavenward was evident. 
On being asked to take something, she replied; 
" I have taken much medicine, and do not wish 
to take any more ; all I want is the pure water 
of Shiloh, and the wine of the kingdom." 

A short time previous to the solemn close, 
the irritability of the nervous system subsided, 
and in great sweetness her immortal spirit took 
its flight, we doubt not to the[mansions of eter- 
nal bhss, there to join the innumerable com- 
pany which surrounds the throne, ascribing 
blessing, and honour, and power to Him who 
sitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb, for- 
ever and ever. 

She departed this life on the Fourth day of the 
First month, 1841, in the 71st year of her age. 

In the removal of these dear Friends, we 
feel our loss to be great, yet we believe that 
the Lord is able to supply all the needs of his 
church, and it is our sincere desire that the 
young and rising generation, may be brought 
by submission to the gentle influences of 
Heavenly love, to take up the cross, and be 
thereby prepared to serve and honour the 
Lord in their day, and fill up the places made 
vacant by the removal of the faithful servants 
of Christ who have stood as standard bearers 
in the church. 

FINIS, 



